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Expansion of ports to turn Kuwait into global hub

www.kuwaittimes.net

MOHARRAM 28, 1432 AH

Israel troops shoot dead West Bank Palestinian

Oprah Winfrey launches her OWN cable network

Chelsea’s title hopes dented by Villa draw

Iran shoots down two ‘Western spy’ drones

Max 19 Min 6 Low Tide 05:40 High Tide 21:45

Revolutionary Guards say planes were downed in the Gulf TEHRAN: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have shot down two “Western spy” drones in the Gulf, the Fars news agency quoted a top commander of the elite military force as saying yesterday. “ Westerners have a series of capabilities which cannot be ignored, especially satellites, or for example they have spy planes which can take pictures in some places,” Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the air force wing of the Guards said. He said that the drones were mainly being used in Iraq and Afghanistan but “some violations against our soil” have also occurred. “And we have so far downed many of their advanced spy planes. In the (Arabian) Gulf, we have downed two of their (spy) planes and this is the first time that we are saying it,” Hajizadeh said without specifying when exactly the drones were shot down.

He also boasted that all “enemy” bases in the region were within range of Iranian missiles, referring to arch-foe the United States.

He said that even the aircraft carriers deployed in the region were no longer a threat to Iran. “There was a time when an aircraft carrier was something to rely on and when they told a country that this warship was moving towards your shore, the government of that country would be toppled,” Hajizadeh said. “But

now this has become a threat for them. We have full control of our enemies.

We notice whatever changes taking place on our shores. When they go on alert in the warships or when they put on life jackets to launch boats in the sea, we are aware of that.”

Iran’s Revolutionar y Guard Corps, target of a series of US sanctions, was set up as a force to defend the 1979 Islamic revolution from internal and external threats.

Washington imposed fresh sanctions against the Guards last month in a bid to ramp up pressure on Tehran over a controversial nuclear programme that Iran says is entirely peaceful, but world powers suspect is aimed at building an atomic bomb.

The US placed sanctions on entities linked to the Guards which included former energy minister and guards member Parviz Fattah. The Treasury Department also sanctioned Liner Transport Kish, for “providing material support, including weapons to Lebanese Hezbollah” on behalf of the Guards.

Guards’ commanders have repeatedly boasted of the their force’s capabilities and delivered warnings to regional foe Israel, which like the United States, has not ruled out a military strike to prevent Iran acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. The US Continued on Page 14

KUWAIT: Protesters demonstrate yesterday in front of the houses of MPs Mohammad Al-Huwailah (above) and Khalid Al-Adwah (right) after the lawmakers declared their support to the prime minister.

— Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat and Fouad Al-Shaikh

PM set to survive vote

By B Izzak KUWAIT: Prime Minister HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah appears in a strong position to survive the most serious bid to oust him so far with

Woman’s stoning may be quashed ary officials called an TEHRAN: An Iranian “out of prison” visit to mother ’s sentence of her family. death by stoning could The journalists were be quashed, a senior not allowed to ask her judiciary official said questions during the yesterday, pointing out meeting which took that ambiguities place in the presence of remained in her case. judiciary officials at a The head of East guest house in Tabriz, Azerbaijan’s judiciary the capital of East said “anything is possi- Sakineh Ashtiani Azerbaijan province. His ble,” asked by Fars news agency whether Sakineh statement also came after Sajjad Mohammadi Mohammadi Ashtiani’s sentence for Ghaderzadeh, adulter y could be overturned. Ashtiani’s son, pleaded before forMalek Ajdar Sharifi’s remark came a eign media that her execution by day after Mohammadi Ashtiani stoning be stayed. Sharifi said that appeared before a group of jour- certain “ambiguities” still remained nalists working for international in the “evidence” gathered Continued on Page 14 news networks during what judici-

Israel preparing for ‘large scale war’ in Mideast OSLO: Israel’s army chief told a US Congress delegation in late 2009 he was preparing for a large war in the Middle East, probably against Hamas or Hezbollah, leaked US diplomatic cables showed yesterday. “I am preparing the Israeli army for a large scale war, since it is easier to scale down to a smaller operation than to do the opposite,” Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi was quoted as saying in a cable from the US embassy in Tel Aviv. The document, dated November 15, 2009, was quoted yesterday in

Visitors snap up 100tn Zimbabwe banknotes

HARARE: An old one hundred trillion Zimbabwean dollar note lies on top of a pile of other old Zimbabwean notes of various denominations in this Dec 30, 2010 photo. — AP

more MPs declaring their support for him ahead of the crucial Wednesday vote. But the escape this time will be too small, too narrow and far from convincing since at least 21 MPs in the 50-member house have announced they will vote against him. With

HARARE: Western visitors to Zimbabwe are looking for zeros. They’re snapping up old, defunct Zimbabwe bank notes, most notably the one hundred trillion Zimbabwe dollar bill, as an economic souvenir. The one hundred trillion Zimbabwe dollar bill, which at 100 followed by 12 zeros is the highest denomination, now sells for $5, depending on its condition.

That bill and others among them millions, billions and trillions, were abandoned nearly two years ago, when the American dollar became legal tender in the hopes of Continued on Page 14

Norwegian by Oslo-based daily Aftenposten, which said it had obtained WikiLeaks’ entire cache of 251,187 leaked US embassy cables. “ The rocket threat against Israel is more serious than ever.

That is why Israel is putting such emphasis on rocket defence,” Ashkenazi told the US delegation led by Democrat Ike Skelton, the cable showed. The army chief lamented that Iran has some 300 Shihab rockets that can reach Israel and Continued on Page 14

two days to go before the National Assembly votes on the non-cooperation motion filed by 10 opposition lawmakers last week, the final position is that at least 21 MPs will vote against the prime minister, around 25 will back him while two others

have remained undecided.

The remaining two MPs include Mubarak Al-Khrainej, who is in Britain accompanying his ill mother and will not attend the session, and State Minister for Continued on Page 14

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MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

LOCAL

KUWAIT: Expansion of Kuwait International Airport project.

Boubyan seaport, airport expansion to turn Kuwait into global financial hub Capacity to increase to 20 million passengers annually KUWAIT: Constructing Boubyan seaport, better known as Mubarak Al-Kabeer, along with expanding Kuwait International Airport are two main important projects aimed at transforming Kuwait into a global financial and trade hub as these marine and air ports represent main gateways of the State itself. The expansion project of Kuwait’s airport, which already started, focuses on increasing the capacity of the airport from seven million passengers to more than 20 million passengers annually. The designing works for constructing arrival and departure hall 2 of Kuwait’s airport started in March with the aim of reaching a capacity of 13 million passengers annually along with utilities including VIP lounge, reception and departure halls and multi-storey car park that can absorb 4,500 as a minimum.

The costs of constructing this hall ranges between KD 350 million and 500 million, and the actual cost will be finally settled following the completion of the designing works, while the contract was already signed with the engineering consultant to hand over the hall in 2014. The airport’s enlargement which will cover an area of 504,257 sq m is one of five pioneering projects within the development plan with the terminal’s floor space covering 130,000 sq m and including 28 gates, with 8 of them allocated for Airbus 380 aircraft, besides a transit passenger hotel and service

areas. The Ministry of Public Works had previously reviewed the designing notions submitted by the engineering consultant and made its remarks on them with the aim of developing the grand design of the project.

It is expected for the designs to be finalized by March 2012, and it will include a study and design of the new terminal building of Kuwait International Airport with a capacity of 13 million passengers annually as well as the management of the whole building. The period of studying and designing will last for 24 months, while the time of overseeing the project’s execution is 36 months, and the total cost of the two phases will be KD 27 million and it is expected for the construction works to start in May 2013.

The project is a big strategic one within the government’s plan of action, and preparations have been made for its implementation some time ago through a coordination between the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Public Works and the private sector in order to keep up with the future needs under the population increase.

Directorate General of Civil Aviaton, owner of the project, currently discusses paperwork of the second stage of the designing and overseeing agreement with a global engineering consultant bureau. The project is composed of several stages including studying, designing, inviting bids, selecting the suitable bid-

KUWAIT: Boubyan seaport project. der and execution, though the consultants department of projects department at the Ministry of Public Works currently oversees the project. Implementation of the project will start in May 2013 and the time span of execution is expected to go over three years.

The terminal is one of the important projects listed within the government’s development plan which has been recently approved by the National Assembly, parliament, in addition to other big development projects

which will be carried out at Kuwait’s International Airport including the expansion and lengthening of two runways.

Further, a freighting town will be constructed, and it will be the biggest of its kind to help make Kuwait a global financial hub.

As for Boubyan seaport, or Mubarak AlKabeer, it is one the biggest and most important projects of the development plan, and it is carried out by the Ministry of Public Works with the aim of a regional transport system in

the region that supports Kuwait’s development plans.

The project will contribute to the country’s economic and trade openness to the world, and will promote the plan of transportations and outlets, one the main elements in achieving the sublime desire of His Highness the Amir on transforming Kuwait into a global trade and financial hub.

The first stage of the project is divided into three parts with the first, which started in September 2007, covering designing and constructing two-way three-lane 30km highway along with a railway line covering the same distance in order to cut through Khawr As Sabiyah to link it to Boubyan seaport. The construction works of the iron bridge have been finalized with 1 km long, and works are under way for laying the foundations of the cars’ bridge and the railway.

As for the second part, it includes studies and data gathering including detecting the seabed of the navigational canal, examining the sea soil as well as the seaport’s ground, studying the environmental evaluation and the designing works of 16 marinas in addition to the designing works related to deepening the navigational canal at 14.5 meter depth, the port’s docks at 16 meter depth, and the construction works of four marinas with 1600 meter long and 16 meter depth.

Regarding the third part of the first stage,

iN MY ViEW

Why celebrate in Kuwait when you have XYZ?

By Fouad Al-Obaid

fouad@kuwaittimes.net

KUWAIT: Firefighters responded to an emergency on Amman Street where an apartment building was set ablaze.

—Photo by Foad Al-Shaikh kuwait digest

Hope for a better future

By Naji Al-Zaid

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veryone is anticipating Wednesday’s parliament session, which will feature a vote on the non-cooperation motion filed against His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser AlMohammad Al-Sabah and could result in the Cabinet’s resignation.

Regardless of the outcome, we as citizens hope that the heated political situation calms down and that reason is adopted instead of loud voices. Unlike raised voices, rational thinking has no limits. That is why it is very important that such a tactic be adopted by our politicians; for Kuwait and for our younger generations.

While members of the Cabinet and parliament change throughout the year one thing that never changes is the nation to whom every citizen belongs. Holding onto violent attitudes is definitely not in favor of the country or its citizens. We hope that 2011 is a year of stability and development.

For the sake of Kuwait let the page of conflict be turned. Put your differences aside and show your devotion to Kuwait by working for the nation’s benefit with tolerance and understanding of different opinions. Let’s put aside our tribal and sectarian ideologies. —Al-Qabas

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ach year that goes by is one more year of waste in our beloved country. Instead of spending years talking about development, liberalization of the economy and the push for major infrastructure projects, the reality of the situation on the ground is far from the vision. If one were to take a pen and scribble a few words on paper, the following are some of the issues that one could raise: the grounding of two-fifths of the Kuwait Airways Corporation’s fleet - not to mention the state of the rest of the fleet - the construction and management of an airport that is falling behind its regional rivals, roads that are taking years to be built - such as the Sheraton Roundabout. These are just a few of the obvious cases that could be brought up.

One could also mention the state of the roads, the education system and the list goes on...

Internationally, the end of last year saw our country’s clout as a country entrenched in democratic principles decrease. Regardless of the reality of such a notion, our reputation was tarnished as we prepare to celebrate our golden jubilee. As a society we have had our ebb and flow of good and bad but recent events highlighted the rift between various segments of society who, for better or worse, are our neighbors and countrymen.

Furthermore, the past several years has seen a decline in the private sector, which has become prone to foreign acquisitions and featured the shifting of some company’s headquarters abroad. This all happened despite our

Golden decade of cash surplus, generated by record sales of exported oil and oil derivatives.

However, when you take a look at the state of some of our ministries and their gruesome bureaucratic procedures one wonders what good money is if the ministries themselves cannot carry out their own plans?

It is bizarre that the government is attempting to turn Kuwait into a regional business hub when, to the surprise of many people within governing institutions, the government is doing all that it can to prevent people in Kuwait from enjoying basic celebratory rights. In a country based on rule of law and equal freedom to all citizens, why is it that a growing majority of people that are well versed in international relations and aware of the impact of globalization not allowed to speak on matters of the state?

While countries the world over are vying to get the best and the brightest we are turning into a regional sinkhole. Why is it that those unable to make it in other countries wind up here in an attempt to make a buck or two?

I mean, if one is not allowed to celebrate an event such as New Years in his own country then he is going to want to take the first flight out to a neighboring country where he can, helping them to become a regional hub at our expense. Meanwhile, we stay here with our hands crossed, scratching our heads, wondering why we are turning into a lame duck in this globalization race!

it is divided into two parts, the first includes deepening the navigational route in sea and the port’s dock to enable ships of big sizes to dock and lay anchor safely as such ships could not lay anchor before at north of the Arab Gulf.

As for the second stage of the project, it covers the designing and construction works of main service buildings which is needed for the port’s operational processes as the port will work at a capacity of four quays following the end of the first stage.

The second stage of the seaport project will include the construction of 12 additional marinas to make the total port’s capacity to 16 marinas, while the third stage will add 8 marinas to make the total capacity hit 24 marinas. The fourth and last stage of the seaport will include the construction of 36 marinas, and consequently the final total capacity will hit 60 marinas, and it will become a main corridor of regional transport linking land to sea through various means of transportation including highways and railway lines in what boosts Kuwait’s position as an important center of regional economic activity. Thus, the Boubyan seaport, or Mubarak Al-Kabeer, will represent a tremendous shift in the sector of transit trade, and will be an important step that revives the old Silk Road through Kuwait’s gateway at the north of the Arab Gulf. — KUNA

Arab convention boosts security cooperation KUWAIT: The first Arab Police Convention is considered a quantum leap in terms of security media in the Arab World, and opens new doors for cooperation between Arab countries, said Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Sabar, official spokesman of Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior.

He made these comments after reaching the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan which hosts the event. It features the participation of representatives from Interior and Information Al-Sabar ministries as well as universities, research centers and media organizations from the Arab countries.

Al-Sabr, who heads the Ministry’s Security Media Department, acknowledged the Kingdom “for playing a distinguished role in hosting various Arab media and security events.” He is accompanied by Colonel Emad Al-Mulla Assistant Manager of Public Relations Department.

Municipality demands authorization KUWAIT: The Kuwait Municipality has been demanding that it be vested with the authority to allocate plots that are reserved to build secondary power transformation stations across residential areas in the country.

Ahmad Al-Subaih, General Manager of the Municipality has already sent an official request to the president of the Municipal Council, explaining the necessity of taking such a step in light of the country’s rate of construction growth which has jumped by 210 percent in private housing real-estate projects. A 250 percent

increase has been recorded in real-estate investment projects apartment buildings.

To build a secondary transformer, the Ministry of Electricity and Water would have to first request the Municipality to reserve places, who would then refer the issue to the Municipal Council, in coordination with other state departments, reported Al-Qabas. The Municipality argues that these procedures consume time that subsequently hinders efforts to provide new buildings with power, in light of rapid construction growth.

Proposal to set up food warehouse KUWAIT: A top official from the Kuwait Municipality has put forward a proposal to allocate a 1.3 million square meter area along the Wafra and Kabad roads to build warehouses to secure strategic supply.

In a letter referred to the M unicipal Council, G hassan Al-Thaqib, Deputy General Manager of Organizing Department Affairs, said that the 400,000 square meter lo c ation near Al-Wafra road is vacant and can be used to build a warehouse in which a reser ve of

grains and flour can be stored by the Kuwait Flour M ills and B ak er y Company, rep or ted AlQabas.

M eanwhile, another warehouse can be built at the 200,000 square meter space near Kabad road, so that the company can be used to save supplies of wheat, corn, and barley, he stated. The official further explains that in addition to the 600,000 square meters that can be allocated for use by the KFMBC, remaining space of the warehouses can also be utilized by other firms.

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KAC in need of modernization: Pilot ‘No one wants to take responsibility. No one wants to take action. It’s been like this for a long time’.

By Wendy Clayton KUWAIT: Speaking with the Kuwait Times under the condition of anonymity, a former Kuwait Airways pilot says the airline’s fleet is too old and has been in bad shape for a long time. He says that the KAC’s current Airbus A300s were manufactured between three to four years ago and should be replaced, “There are no major airlines in the world using this plane anymore,” says the pilot.

“Except maybe for Iran but this is because they are not allowed to obtain any other aircraft.” Due to a long-standing United States trade embargo, Iran’s fleet has rapidly deteriorated.

However, there is no embargo on Kuwait upgrading its national carrier fleet. It just has not been done yet. With the 2007 decision by the Parliament to privatize the airline it meant that a hold was also placed on the airline in placing an order for new planes. This has put Kuwait and its national carrier under the spotlight both nationally and internationally.

“What is happening now with KACs A300 fleet is nothing new,” says the pilot defending the KAC fleet. “The problems being experienced are comparable with other airlines around the world.” He states that for any aircraft to turn back is nothing and incidents like this occur all the time world-wide. As with any mechanical and electrical item, with age comes more maintenance and more spare parts are required.

The pilot says the media plays a huge role in over sensationalizing the return or diversion of a plane to land unexpectedly, “The use of key words like; emergency,

danger, and severely injured all add to people getting excited and leads to early judgment of the situation,” he said explaining that there are varying degrees of emergency on a flight and levels of danger. Most of these rules, he says, require the captain to return the plane to the airport.

The school of experience In his experience, he has never seen a minor technical glitch escalate into a serious disaster and hopes it never will.

However, if the KAC does not fix its problems he speculates we could witness a tragic accident. He also agreed that false alarms could see pilots taking a risk to ignore warning alarms to avoid carrying out what could be an unnecessar y emergenc y landing. “I t has occurred already where pilots have made self-risking decisions to carry-on with a flight,” said the pilot. “If we do not take action we get questioned and blamed. If we do take action we get questioned and blamed. This is all to the level of perhaps losing our license.”

He says that pilots are being pushed every day and highlighted only when there is an irregularity. When planes are functioning perfectly, pilots are never mentioned. However, when something goes wrong pilots are a target for blame especially when there are fatalities.

Incidents The incident in November where the Kuwait Air ways flight to Dhak a returned minutes after take-off, while not a serious emergency still required an emergency evacuation of its passengers and crew, says the pilot, “The following day, in the news, everyone was passing judgment on the pilots,” said

Over 200 offenders held on New Year’s eve

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: Full-fledged police raids were held at camps, apartments, and other suspicious places over the new year, according to an official from the Ministry of Interior. Over 200 men and women from different nationalities were arrested for allegedly violating the country’s mores and engaging in nefarious activities.

The police were present in all areas, but found it difficult to tackle problems at private places, “People in public places such as hotels, restaurants, or cafes respected the laws and regulations. We didn’t have any problems with them. All the raids and arrests were made in private places, especially camps and flats. The confiscated contraband was alcohol and no drugs cases were registered,” the official , who spoke on condition of anonymity told the Kuwait Times.

Kuwait being a desert country, police forces find it difficult to patrol large swathes of barren land. They usually raid popular places such as Julaia, Bneider, or Mina Abdullah, “The police usually raid camps after receiving a complaint and people’s statements. Some calls were hoaxes. For instance, the police went to a camp in Julaia and found it empty,” added the police officer.

There were no cases registered against families, “The police also do not enter or check any family unless neighbors file a complaint against loud noise. In this case, the police checks the situation. Then they may issue a warning.

This year, we did not receive any complaint about a family,” he added.

According to this police officer, Sheikh Ahmad AlKhalifa, Director of the General Department for Drugs Control issued strict orders and held a large number of raids, “Most violations were booked under homosexuality, alcohol consumption, holding parties, and committing immoral acts in public places,” he pointed out.

The traffic police was also vigilant on New Year’s Eve, “Over 250 traffic fines were issued on Kuwait’s roads. There were checkpoints placed on different roads, especially the highways. The police mostly focused on checking and verifying the identity of people rather than checking vehicles.

They only checked their belongings, cars, drunkenness or failure to carry ID cards,” highlighted the officer.

Turkish-Kuwaiti ties deep-rooted: Envoy ISTANBUL: Kuwait’s Consul-General in Istanbul, and dean of the consular corps in the city, Sheikh Fahad Salem Sabah AlNasser Al-Sabah, asserted here yesterday that Kuwait will never forget the prestigious stances taken by Turkey against the unjust occupation of Kuwait by the defunct regime of Saddam Hussein.

The previous remark which Sheikh Fahad made coincided with Kuwait’s marking the 50th independence anniversary, the 20th liberation anniversary and the 5th anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s assumption to power.

Sheikh Fahad also noted intimate personal relationships binding leaders of Turkey and Kuwait, in what always boosts the bilateral ties toward broader horizons, and helps converge views on many issues of interest to the region and the world as a whole.

Sheikh Fahad added that sky is the limit for Turkish-Kuwaiti ties, noting that there are many proofs of these strong relationships, foremost among them are the ceaseless reciprocal visits by high-profile officials and at the top them leaders of the two countries.

In this context, Sheikh Fahad said that, “it is important here to refer to the upcoming important visit that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay to Kuwait in the coming days,” making clear that such visit will enrich the distinctive bilateral relations through opening up further horizons of cooperation in various fields.

Erdogan will visit the State of Kuwait to attend the forum hosted by the Arab Gulf country on Jan 11 on the Arab-Turkish relations, an event which is co-organized by the Muslim Intellectuals Forum and “International Award of Sheikh Fahad Al-Ahmad for Charity Works.” In the same vein, Kuwait has recently invited Turkish President Abdullah Gul to attend the country’s national celebrations of its 50 independence anniversary, the 20th liberation anniversary and the enthronement anniversary of HH the Amir. Further, Sheikh Fahad said that Erdogan’s visit aims at further strengthening ties between the two countries, saying that there remarkable mutual investment in various fields that are boosted by facilities offered by the two countries, the overcoming of all obstacles in view of the exchange of visits, the common interests and constantly growing relationships.—KUNA

“KAC is an old company with and old structure,” says the pilot. “In some areas the structure is good and they have good infrastructure. But the mindset has to change. They need to modernize it and its people”. He added that Airbus has ceased manufacturing the A300, which is also causing a shortage in spare parts. He claims any airline with an A300 sell them or convert them over to cargo planes.

KUWAIT: A Kuwait Airways aircraft is seen in flight. (The image is for illustrative purposes only). the pilot. “Even before the facts were investigated the pilots were being put under the spotlight. The procedure carried out by the captain was correct and any other pilot would have done the same.”

The pilot explained that every pilot receives training on what to do during an emergenc y and in this case, a smoke indicator dictates that you return to the airport and evacuate the passengers. Although initially, the captain and his co-pilot were seen as having carried out the correct procedure, the weeks following the incident saw the blame being laid squarely on the captain’s shoulders. Also, the co-pilot was accused of fleeing the scene in which he then injured his leg in a fall.

“They want to lay blame on someone and the pilots are the easy targets,” says the disgruntled pilot. “It all comes back to the aircraft. To take the focus away from the problems, KAC are having with their planes they blame the pilots.” Despite the goings on of late the pilot defends KAC maintenance standards saying that he is convinced that

they are still of a high standard and the problem lay elsewhere in the company.

Miscommunication The pilot claims that problems in communication between high level management down to the pilots and technical staff are the main issues, “Management do not listen to technical staff nor the pilots,” claims the pilot.

“Although I no longer work there I still have friends there and we all talk.

People get frustrated and then careless.

Top urgent repairs are carried out immediately but lesser repairs would be dealt with later.”

Something needs to change within Kuwait Airways and action needs to be taken, says the pilot. He adds that planes are being pushed back into the air before time without considering the fact that these aircraft form the backbone of the company. Without them, the KAC cannot function. He said that the privatization of Kuwait Airlines needs to be finalized so that the new owner can upgrade the fleet or else the fleet has to be upgraded regardless.

Career at KAC Although the pilot initially left KAC for personal reasons he does not regret having worked for KAC, “I see my time with KAC as an experience, but I didn’t want to stay there for long,” adds the pilot. “I would not go back to KAC but then again I would not get into an A300 as a pilot either. That’s any A300 not just KAC ones.”

The pilot adds that the messages to airline management and the public are to lay off and let them do their jobs. He says everyone has to realize that pilots are the ones in control of the craft and only they can make the decisions required. “Let us do our jobs then question us later but not before you are given all the facts,” says the pilot. “Aviation law states that the pilot is in command and has absolute authority over everything that happens in the aircraft. We take all the responsibility for the craft, the crew and passengers once we sign the handover papers.”

With the situation now, the pilot says rather than thinking about the procedures he should take in the event of an emergency he is going to start thinking of what are the consequences he’ll face in taking each action, “Seconds make a huge difference in preventing an accident and I can’t be worried about what someone is going to think about my actions that sits behind a desk all day,” says the pilot. Much support has been

given to the captain and co-pilot of the Dhaka flight in November. The pilot explains that every aircraft must be evacuated within 90 seconds. Pilots are trained to deal with evacuation plans including the deployment of slides as happened in November, “No amount of training can equip someone to handle hundreds of panicked passengers who do not listen to instructions,” says the pilot. “A good deal of the blame rests on the shoulders of the passengers who fail to listen to instructions from crew and to calmly exit the aircraft.”

He says that the injuries sustained by passengers in November were due to panic, not listening to instructions, and the fact that it is normal for some degree of injury from exiting via the slides. He explained that the slides are made from very rough materials designed to withstand a multitude of conditions.

The pilot said that the co-pilot was falsely accused of running away from the scene. Under correct procedures, the captain and the co-pilot are the last to leave the craft, one through the front exit and one through the rear exit. He says the co-pilot saw a passenger in trouble and ran to help. The co-pilot sustained severe fractures to his leg after falling in a hole in the runway. “Naturally no one wants it known that there is a hole in the runway so they leaked the information that he fell over while running away,” says the pilot. “The co-pilot is still in hospital.”

“We are at a point that when a pilot’s name is mentioned there is trouble,” said the pilot. On a final note he said, “Safety is the first thing, optimizing the flight and how it should proceed is the second.

We have never been thanked for the second point and we are always slammed for the first point.”

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MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

Years

LOCAL

Seminars to press for support ahead of voting KUWAIT: Support for the non-cooperation motion filed against His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser AlMohammad Al-Sabah remains between 21 to 22 MPs according to both Cabinet and antigovernment sources.

Meanwhile, it is believed that antigovernment MPs are planning to make use of every opportunity they have ahead of Wednesday’s voting session to keep pressure on undecided MPs in attempts to gain their support, reported Al-Qabas.

Several seminars have been scheduled to take place before Wednesday at the diwaniya of former MP Mohammad Al-Khalifa in Jahra and two seminars are expected to take place today; one at MP Falah Al-Sawwagh’s diwaniya in Fintas

and another in Nuzha. The seminar in Nuzha will be hosted by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), representatives from the National Action Bloc (NAB) and former MPs Abdullah Al-Naibari and Mushary Al-Usaimi.

The antigovernment alliance made a huge step over the weekend in their attempt to garner the minimum required 25 votes for their non-cooperation motion when MP Marzouq AlGhanim announced that his National Action Bloc will vote in favor of the motion. The step was met with a counter move by the government almost immediately when they announced that MP Dr Mohammad Al-Huwailah disagreed with the motion.

Kuwaiti-Jordanian technical trade panel to meet AMMAN: Meetings of the fourth session of Kuwaiti-Jordanian technical trade committee are to hold next Wednesday and Thursday here to discuss the ways of developing bilateral relations in the economic field.

The Kuwaiti side will be led during the meetings by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Rashid Al-Tabtabaei and the Jordanian one will be presided over by Secretary General of the Jordanian Ministry of Industry and Trade Maha Ali. Ali said in a statement yesterday that the two sides will discuss the topic of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministries of industry and commerce of the two countries, besides mulling a another group of agreements, protocols, programs of action, and MoUs in various economic fields.

Regarding the committee’s agenda, Ali said that the two sides will discuss the ways of strengthening trade ties between the two countries, upgrading the level of bilateral cooperation and coordination in light of the agreements concluded in various economic domains.

The meetings will also tackle the topic of doing away with any customs or noncustoms barriers that obstruct the traffic of commodities between markets of the two countries as part of the greater Arab

free trade zone.

Further, the two sides will the mechanisms that will help increase the volume of trade exchange between them through devising plans to motivate the private sector in both countries to augment the joint investments.

The discussions will also touch on providing facilities for holding an exhibition for Jordanian industries in the State of Kuwait in coordination between the ministries of commerce and industry of the two countries, and in order to showcase the Jordanian products along with allocating portion of the exhibition for selling products for business and consumer sectors.

The commodities which will be displayed by the exhibition will be exempted from all customs duties, and other taxes of the same effect.

The value of Jordanian exports to the Kuwaiti market in the first ten months of 2010 amounted to nearly $66 million, while Jordan’s imports from Kuwait were estimated at $114.4 million over the same period, according to official Jordanian figures. As for Kuwaiti investments which made use of investment promotion law in Jordan, they amounted to $231.6 million by the end of 2010, while total Kuwaiti investments in Jordan accounted for $ 8 billion. — KUNA

in the news Malls smoking ban KUWAIT: The committee organizing the national antismoking campaign acknowledged the steps taken by major shopping malls to ban smoking in their premises. The mall’s decisions was made in accordance to law number 15/1995, which bans smoking in public places, both indoor and outdoor, reported AlRai. The committee’s repor ter, Dr Hamdiya Al-Fadhly released a press statement acknowledging the step made recently by the Kuwait Municipality to ban shisha (hookah) smoking inside closed cafes. Al-Fadhly announced that the committee plans to award the local malls for their decisions.

He added that next May the committee plans on working with the Ministry of Education to launch awareness programs for students.

Unlicensed landfill sites KUWAIT: Following the expired food imbroglio, another issue has been making waves, concerning unlicensed landfills found all over the country. The Municipality’s environmental affairs manager admitted the presence of various unlicensed landfills all over the

country. Their existence would delay old landfill rehabilitation projects, reported Al-Watan. The Municipal Council members Mane Al-Ajmi, Jassar Al-Jassar and Ashwaq Al-Mudhaf demanded that the matter be investigated into to find out how such unlicensed landfills have started work.

First 2011 newborn KUWAIT: The maternity hospital recorded Kuwait’s first birth of the new year; a healthy baby boy born to a Kuwaiti couple at 12:04 am, reported Al-Rai. Two baby girls were born in Adan Hospital, one at 12:05 am and another at 12:06 am. Al-Adan hospital was also a scene for two other deliveries that same night.

An Egyptian baby boy was born at 12:33 am, followed by a Kuwaiti boy just three minutes later. At 1:30 am, medical staff at Far waniya Hospital delivered a healthy baby girl who was followed by a female newborn for a Syrian family at 2:45 am. Meanwhile, Al-Jahra Hospital saw its first delivery of 2011 at 3:40 am with the birth of a bedoon baby girl, followed by a bedoon baby boy at 8:00 am.

The hospital’s third delivery, a Saudi baby boy, was born at 11:00 am.

280 runaway Filipina maids leave for home Kuwait govt grants free tickets

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait welcomed the New Year by repatriating 280 runaway housemaids sheltered in their embassy in Jabriya. The tickets were provided to the embassy by Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor to help reduce the number of housemaids currently sheltered at the embassy. As part of the mass repatriation, 21 runaway housemaids were sent home on January 1 with tickets provided by the Kuwaiti government. The housemaids were escorted to the airport by an official from the Philippine embassy to Gulf Air Flight 218 bound for Manila.

Speaking to the Kuwait Times on the mass repatriation, Philippine Labor Attache to Kuwait, Vivo Vidal, said the initial first group of runaway housemaids were sent home as par t of the Kuwaiti government’s initiative to help decongest the Philippine embassy shelter. “When we asked about the total number of people we could send home we were informed that the government will pay for the tickets,” Vidal said.

The first 21 maids were repatriated on Saturday as part of that arrangement. The documents and paperwork for the remaining 259 are currently being prepared, he explained, adding that they will soon be able to leave for home. He said that he hopes that about 100 former domestic helpers will be on their way home by January 13 or 15.

While the repatriation of runaway housemaids continues every day the arrival of newly escaped runaway housemaids has never halted. “When we send home seven there will be up to 10 new arrivals each day,” Vidal explained.

“Mass-repatriation helps us drastically decongest our shelter,” he opined.

Vidal pointed out that massrepatriation of this size can only happen when the host government and the Philippine government share the burden.

“Repatriation happens on a daily basis but we can only send home five or maybe seven people because those are the number of cases we manage to settle. Some of the tickets have to be provided by our own government while some are paid by the maid’s sponsors or recruitment agencies,” Vidal explained.

Most of these women run away from their abusive sponsors, looking to their embassy for help and stay at the embassy for months, some for years, before finally being repatriated. Their complaints range from not being paid their salaries to being over-worked or even underfed. Some even complained of being physically, verbally or sexually abused.

Abuse and escape Rosedin Panilagao from Sto Tomas, Davao (in Mindanao) stayed at the embassy for six months after running away from her abusive employer last June. “I am just very lucky to be part of this group heading home,” she said while boarding a car provided by the embassy to the airport. “I wanted to be home last Christmas but my sponsor would not cooperate so I had to wait for my passport. I have no choice but to wait here and stay at our shelter for six months.”

Rosedin ran away because her employers’ children would regular-

KUWAIT: (Top) Philippine Labor Attache Vivo Vidal (third right), giving instruction to the Filipino workers outside their embassy compound in Jabriya before heading to airport on New Year’s Day. —Photos by Ben ly attack and beat her. “They used to hit my head and I could not fight back because they are just k ids. When I told my sponsor about it they warned me against fighting back. They said they would kill me if I ever did. In order to avoid such a confrontation I told myself that I better leave that house,” she said.

Akrima Abdul Kadir, 16, from Cotabato has a slightly different story. “I was recruited in Cotabato [Mindanao] and since I am underage they faked my documents. I am only 16 but they told me I looked 21 so they forged my age in my passport. When the embassy heard about my story they were not happy and told me to leave Kuwait immediately,” she said.

Another runaway housemaid, Evangeline Buduaro from Laoag

4 tons of spoiled food found in Jahra

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Head of the emergency team at the Municipality’s Jahra Governorate branch, Ali AlQuwaidi said that inspectors confiscated four tons and 28 kilograms of food unfit for human

consumption. He added that the food was found in a food processing plant, confiscated and then destroyed. He added that all the proper legal procedures were taken against the facility.

Al-Quwaidi explained that the plant was

issued three citations; for selling harmful food, repackaging and not complying with health standards. He said the destroyed food included cheese, olives, grape leaves and olive oil. He said that such inspections will continue in attempts to deter violators.

City (Ilocos Norte), left her employer ’s house when her employer withheld her salar y for two months. Additionally, Evangeline was fed up with being continuously transferred. “I had been transferred from one sponsor to another four times. I just thought that the last one would be k halas (enough) so I ran away and landed at the embassy,” she confided.

Rona Julaya from Sultan Kudarat refused to be transferred to a restaurant somewhere in Kuwait City. According to Rona, she worked in a newlywed couple’s household who eventually divorced. “When they divorced they told me to go work in a restaurant but I told them I was not interested. I requested to be sent to my embassy and here I am five months later.”

Thank you, Kuwait!

Labor Attache Vidal expressed his gratitude for the generous assistance given to his compatriots by the Kuwaiti government. He denied the mass repatriation was a prelude to an upcoming amnesty for illegal immigrants. “This gesture has nothing to do with a planned amnesty,” he said. “In fact, the mass-repatriation of runaway housemaids was not offered exclusively to the Philippine Embassy.” In his words there were similar mass repatriations of Indonesian, Sri Lankan, Nepali and Bangladeshi housemaids. He added that the Kuwaiti government provides such gestures from time to time and that the embassy has received 540 tickets from the government since June 2010.

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Kuwait Digest

Educational planning

By Dr Yaqoub Al-Sharrah

I Students plant 1,000 saplings KUWAIT: Students from the Kuwait University as well as schools of Al-Ahmadi educational zone planted 1,000 saplings along the 14 kilometer-long AlWafra road outside Sabah AlAhmad residential area. It is part of the plans to turn the location, which was a landfill, into a national park. This initiative was organized by ‘Our Environment, Our Life’ media educational campaign. It was launched in cooperation with the committee in charge of removing encroachments from state property, Industrial Waste Rehabilitation Committee, and the Ministry of Education.

t’s common sense to say that the quality of education is closely related to the outcome of the educational process. This means that subpar outcomes indicate flaws in the general quality of education, which in turn reflects a failure in carrying out a successful educational strategy.

People in Kuwait are concerned about the troubles students face in education, especially regarding the poor standard of education they are experiencing.

Errors in educational planning reflect a problem with the backbone of the country’s educational system.

Back in the 1970s and 80s, Kuwait was more serious about their educational planning. Back then, the Ministry of Education was a trailblazer in the region.

Unfortunately the social changes that the Iraqi invasion brought to our country negatively affected the way plans were made. Since then the educational sector was left without the necessary planning required to achieve the goals of the educational process.

Subsequently, the lack of educational planning resulted in serious problems when it came to improving the educational sector. In the meantime, educational planning kept being neglected, even from being taught at local higher education facilities.

The continuous deterioration of educational planning resulted in a culmination of problems including errors and chaotic decisions. As we look for a developed educational system in the future we find ourselves wondering what steps are being made now to revive educational planning efforts in Kuwait.

— Al-Rai

Local football player arrested for burglary Couple in custody for child abuse KUWAIT: The Ahmadi police arrested a local football player who is accused of committing 19 different thefts.

Investigations are ongoing into incidents of crime that were committed mostly in South Surra and Ahmadi.

The suspect was identified as a bedoon who has signed to play with local football club located in Doha area, reported Al-Watan. A plan was drawn up to arrest the suspect, who admitted responsibility of the crimes.

Child abuse Police arrested a woman for escorting her 12-year-old daughter to illegal parties against her will. The situation was identified at a checkpoint which was placed at Al-Bedaa street in Salmiya.

Police cast suspicions over a car that carried a male driver and a veiled woman, in addition to a young girl who wore heavy makeup. After the woman refused to coop-

erate, officials questioned the girl about the relationship she shared with the woman. She answered that the woman was her mother and that the driver, her mother’s boyfriend. She also told police that she was usually taken to two apartments and coerced into performing illegal acts, reported AlWatan. Police immediately arrested the couple, and referred them to concerned authorities.

Heart attack An Indian man died in his car following a heart attack while dr iving on Subbiya road. Paramedical staff members responded to emergency calls, reported Al-Watan. However, they found that the victim was already dead. Crime scene investigators were summoned to conduct investigations and removed the body for an autopsy.

American teen raped Police are cur rently look ing into the case of three young men who kidnapped and raped an American teenager. The 14year-old victim accepted a r ide to her destination from the young men while waiting for a taxi at a street in S almiya to Shaab.

However, the trio headed to a remote and uninhabited location instead, where t wo of the men sexually assaulted her, before dropping her off in Shaab. The victim headed to a friend’s home immediately and sought help, reported AlR ai. She was helped to approach the Rumaithiya police station to file a case.

Although the girl could not identify the location where she was taken to, police were able to discover that the place was Sabhan, near the Kuwait International Airport. Investigations are ongoing.

Muggers in custody Hawally police recently arrested three individuals who stabbed an Asian man and robbed him in Salmiya.

The vic tim was standing outside his place of residence when the culprits attacked him after making away with KD 240.

Following an hour of investigations, police located the suspec ts in Hawally and placed them under arrest, reported Al-Rai. Murder threat A citizen filed murder threat charges against his former brother-in-law following a violent argument between the two. The citizen had first approached Al-Roudha police station to complain against his exwife’s family, accusing them of preventing his children from meeting him.

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More MPs join hands against non-cooperation motion Premier regaining lost ground

By A Saleh KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser AlMohammad has been regaining lost ground after MPs Adnan Abdelsamad, Ali Al-Rashed, Hussein Al-Huraiti, Maasouma Al-Mubarak and Naji Al-Abdelhadi issued a joint statement rejecting the non-cooperation motion. The MPs said that the grilling motion was unconstitutional and that the government answered it successfully. They said that the goals of the interpellation motion are more far-reaching than the inci-

dents that took place in Sulaibikhat.

They said that HH the Amir has clearly banned mass public gatherings, and that some insisted on being confronted by special forces, and challenged them, “we do not think they had good intentions.”

Meanwhile MP Khalid Al-Adwa announced that he rejected the non-cooperation request, scheduled to be discussed next Wednesday. In a statement, that the opposition blocs worked hard but erred and steered the grilling motion away from its intent.

“I reject the non-cooperation

motion in accordance with Sharia (religious law) and constitutional reasons after consulting with my constituents.”

Al-Adwa expressed displeasure towards the behavior of MPs that supported the grilling motion by sending voters to rally outside MPs’ diwaniyas. Al-Adwa said that MP Khalid Al-Tahous does not represent Al-Agman tribe, but the Popular Action Bloc (PAB) tries to draw it towards the interests of this bloc.

Meanwhile, MP Mohammad Hayef responded to his colleague Dr Mohammad Al-Huwailah about

refusing to vote for the non-cooperation motion after heeding to the ‘fatwa’ issued by scholars who state that the ruler’s disobedience is a must.

He accused the citizen of persuading citizens on taking a wrong decision. The ‘grilling’ and noncooperation voting has nothing to do with disobeying the ruler or revolt.

It is an accepted method that was agreed upon between the ruler and his subjects in accordance with the Constitution and is not an exclusive right of MPs, he said.

MP demands priority for environmental issues KUWAIT: A parliament member recently raised the issue of environmental problems that the country continues to suffer from, especially the aftermath of large oil spills that took place during the 1990-91 Iraqi Invasion. They have raised questions on the reasons behind the delay in taking measures to eliminate persisting problems.

Speaking to reporters, MP Abdurrahman Al-Anjari indicated that Kuwait’s atmosphere, land as well as its reserves of groundwater still suffer from the remnants of the oil spill that destroyed large parts of the country’s land following the Iraqi invasion.

The United Nations had arranged for the payment of $3 billion as compensation from

Iraq to Kuwait to treat the environmental damage caused by the ‘oil spill’ problem.

Kuwait has since received parts of these funds. However, an actual progress in the rehabilitation process is still to be made, which threatens that Kuwait will lose its right to collect the remaining amount of the compensation, reported Al-Qabas.

KUWAIT: As photographs illustrate, the Sulaibiya Industrial Area is in dire need of regulations that will better organize the area. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

Dr Saleh Al-Ujairi speaking at the Bahrain’s History and Heritage Society.

Minstry launches campaign against divorce KUWAIT: The Ministry of Justice plans to launch a campaign to limit the rate of divorce in the new year in cooperation with various embassies and concerned departments, reported Al-Rai. According to official sources, the campaign will focus on spreading awareness regarding the short term and long term effects of divorce as well as the responsibilities placed on separated parents regarding custody of their children.

A joint committee participating in the campaign is expected to meet and discuss how best to coordinate with social and family consultants, psychiatrists, judges and religious figures.

Consultants will encourage specialists to visit centers and speak with families on the serious repercussions of divorce.

Official statistics indicate that divorce rates slightly increased in 2010 by 0.5% compared to 2009 among Kuwaiti couples.

Kuwait’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Sheikh Azzam Al-Sabah, among the audience during one of Al-Ujairi’s lectures.

Al-Ujairi honored during Bahrain visit KUWAIT: Veteran Kuwaiti astronomer Dr Saleh Al-Ujairi visited the Kingdom of Bahrain recently after being invited to attend Bahrain’s History and Heritage Society’s 57th cultural week. During his stay, Al-Ujairi hosted a number of seminars on various topics in addition to meeting with the Rector of Bahrain University, Ibrahim Janahi and a number of astronomers. He was also featured as a guest on a TV show with the head of the Bahraini astronomers’ society Dr Shawqi Al-Dallal.

During his lectures, Al-Ujairi said that 2012 is expected to feature several unusual astronomical phenomena due to Mars’

closeness to Earth. He also talked about Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and how people often confuse natural phenomena, such as clouds, with them. He also addressed the phenomenon commonly referred to as the Bermuda Triangle.

The 90-year-old Al-Ujairi said that his passion for astronomy started when he decided to study it in order to learn more about science and added that he used to fear all sorts of natural phenomena as a child. He also talked about his journey from Kuwait through Iraq, Syria and into Alexandria to meet the author of the first book he read on astronomy.

British Council to hold fair on education opportunities in UK KUWAIT: The British Council will organize, on Jan 12 and 13, the annual exhibition for promotion of education in the UK, scheduled to group representatives of 42 universities and academies.

Raafat Abu Taleb, the director of the education department at the council, said yesterday that the planned fair would constitute an opportunity to meet these representatives and get acquainted with the educational opportunities in the UK. Up to 3,000 higher education

universities and institutions in the UK are ready to register students for various specialties. Some 600,000 foreign students flock to it every year for studying.

The fair, the British Council’s annual Education UK Exhibition (EDUKEX), due at the Sheraton Hotel, will be a good start for students exploring educational opportunities in the UK. There are also some excellent websites dedicated to all aspects of study in the UK. The website www.educationuk.org/me provides information on institutions

and courses, what it is like to study in the UK, and immigration and visa procedures. Another website which has clear and useful assistance is www.ukcisa.org.uk or the UK Council for International Student Affairs. On this site, there are guidelines about driving, working part time, and the weather amongst many other topics.

Kuwait’s Embassy in London’s Cultural Office can also provide a list of accredited institutions and also gives advice on the whole process via www. kuwaitculturaluk.com. The

UK is the home of many of the world’s outstanding scientists, engineers, artists, writers, thinkers and business people, and one of its most tolerant, richly varied and vibrant societies.

It is the birthplace of the English language, and as a place to live in and learn from, it is unique, and inspiring. This is a country which looks to the future and offers students the possibility of investing in their future by gaining qualifications which are sought after all over the world. —KUNA

Attendees for Al-Ujairi’s lecture at Bahrain University.

Special Loans for Divorced, Widowed Female Citizens KUWAIT: Female MPs said that the recently enforced housing rights law for female citizens give widowed and divorced women the opportunity to obtain a loan (without interest payment ) from the Savings and Credit Bank at a minimum value of KD 70,000. However, an official from the SCB believes that the law’s executive regulations are expected to include a condition by which these women who are not covered under housing welfare, obtain a maximum of KD 45,000 loan.

An official who spoke on the condition of anonymity says that this stipulation will help women purchase houses or apartments provided that they have a source of income to repay the loan, and have children live with her in the same house, reported AlRai. The law is expected to take effect during the middle of this year, while its regulations are applicable to all female Kuwaitis including married, unmarried, divorced widows. At least 14,000 applications have been forwarded so far.

Al-Ujiari receives a gift from Bahrain University.

Campers urged to avoid hunting KUWAIT: Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS) yesterday called on campers not to resort to poaching of birds and destruction of wild plants, yet replace it with taking photographs of various aspects of biodiversity these times of the year.

KEPS Secretary General Wijdan Al-Oqab said in a press release the society has set valuable prizes for best images to be taken during the camping season in Kuwait.

She added that birdlife watch team, as well as environmentalists, spotted death for birds in some camping sites as a result of poaching. For his part, team leader Mahmoud Shehab, urged campers to preserve wildlife in the desert, especially reptiles and vegetation in the south of the country. — KUNA

Bahrain University Rector Dr Janahi presenting an award to AlUjairi.

International MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

Worshippers back in Egypt church hit in attack

Chavez, Clinton meet amid tensions Page 9

Christians feel betrayed by government ALEXANDRIA: Grieving Christians, many clad in black, were back praying yesterday in a blood-spattered church where 21 worshippers were killed in an apparent suicide bombing, feeling betrayed by a government they say has not done enough to keep them safe.

Dozens attended yesterday Mass at the Saints Church in Egypt’s Mediterranean port city of Alexandria, while riot police backed by armored vehicles were deployed outside.

The service was marked by the grief and anger felt by a congregation devastated by the attack, which took place Saturday outside the church’s door about 30 minutes into the New Year. Many sobbed while others cried hysterically, screamed in anger or slapped themselves. “They died, they died,” a woman kept saying.

Some lamented that attacks on Christians and churches often happen during usually happy occasions like Christmas and New Year. Others complained that the government was not doing enough to protect churches. “We spend every feast in grief,” said Sohair Fawzy, who lost two sisters and a niece in the attack. “There is no security in Egypt,” shrieked a man in the congregation.

Father Maqar, who led the service, did not give a sermon, preferring to express his grief with silence. “I tell Christians to pray and pray

ALEXANDRIA: Egyptian Muslims and Christians raise a copy of the Quran and a Cross in Shubra district of Cairo, Egypt, late Saturday, Jan.1, 2011 to protest against the terrorist attack on a church of Alexandria.—AP

Pope calls Egypt church attack vile gesture VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict yesterday condemned a bomb blast outside a church in Egypt which killed at least 21 people, the latest in a series of attacks on Christians in the Middle East and Africa. “This vile

gesture of death, like that of putting bombs near to the houses of Christians in Iraq to force them to leave, offends God and all of humanity,” the pope said after his weekly angelus blessing.

VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful during the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s square yesterday. – AP

The car bomb explosion outside a Coptic Christian church in Alexandria on Saturday wounded dozens of people as worshippers gathered to mark the new year and Egypt’s Interior Ministry said a foreignbacked suicide bomber might have been responsible. It prompted Christians to protest on the streets, and some Christians and Muslims threw stones at each other.

Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population of 79 million.

The pope urged Christian communities to persevere in a non-violent manner in the face of what he described as “a strategy of violence that has Christians as a target”. Two people were killed and at least 16 wounded in a series of bomb attacks on Thursday on the homes of minority Christians in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, security sources said.

Over Christmas, six people were killed in attacks on two Christian churches in northeastern Nigeria and six were wounded by a bomb in a Roman Catholic Church on the island of Jolo in the Philippines. The Vatican fears that the attacks, combined with severe restrictions on Christians in countries such as Saudi Arabia, are fuelling a Christian exodus from the region.

In his New Year’s homily, the pope said “words were not enough” to bring about peace, particularly in the Middle East. He called for “concrete and constant commitment” from national leaders and said everyone on a local level should strive for peace in their relations with their neighbours. — Reuters

to ease their agony,” he told The Associated Press after the service. Grim reminders of the attack remained in the church a day after the bombing. Its ground floor was stained with the blood of victims brought inside immediately after the attack. Two statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary were toppled and the benches were scattered by the impact of the blast. A red foam “2011” sign hung on the inside of the church’s door was torn apart.

On the church’s iron gate hung a wooden cross covered with a white sheet stained with victims’ blood. Bits of human flesh remained stuck on the gate. Young Christian men prevented cleaners from removing the flesh.

“Leave them, this is pure blood,” one of the young men shouted. The attack Saturday, which left nearly a 100 people wounded, was the worst violence against Egypt’s Christian minority in a decade. It sparked clashes between Christians and riot police.

The Interior Ministry blamed the bombing on “foreign elements.” The Alexandria governor accused Al-Qaeda, pointing to the terror network’s branch in Iraq, which has attacked Christians there and threatened Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Christian community.

Egypt’s government has long insisted that the terror network does not have a significant presence in the country, and it has

never been conclusively linked to any attacks here. If Al-Qaeda were involved, it would raise the prospect of a serious new security threat within Egypt. Hours after Saturday’s blast, President Hosni Mubarak went on state TV and vowed to track down those behind the attack. “We will cut off the hands of terrorists and those plotting against Egypt’s security,” he said. President Barack Obama also condemned the attack and said those behind it must be brought to justice. The bombing stoked tensions that have grown in recent years between Egypt’s Christians and the Muslim majority. It was dramatically different from past attacks on Christians, which included shootings but not serious bombings, much less suicide attacks. Christians have increasingly accused the government of dismissing violence against them or antiChristian sentiment among Muslim hard-liners. Al-Qaeda in Iraq has made a series of threats against Christians. The latest just before Christmas led the Iraqi Christian community to cancel most holiday festivities.

After militants attacked a church in Baghdad in October and killed 68 people, Al-Qaeda in Iraq threatened more attacks and linked the violence to two Egyptian Christian women who reportedly converted to Islam to get divorces, which are prohibited by the Coptic Orthodox Church. —AP

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UN: focuses on human rights abuses in Ivory Coast ABIDJAN: The United Nations said it will do ever ything it can to locate areas where human rights abuses have allegedly occurred in Ivory Coast following disputed presidential elections. Human rights groups have warned that security forces loyal to incumbent Laurent Gbagbo, who refuses to cede power, have been abducting political opponents in recent weeks. The UN also believes up to 80 bodies may have been moved to a building nestled among shacks in a pro-Gbagbo neighborhood.

Investigators have tried to go there several times, and even made it as far as the building’s front door before truckloads of men with guns showed up and forced them to leave. A second mass burial site is believed to be located near Gagnoa in the interior of the country, the UN said. Gbagbo’s government has repeatedly denied the existence of mass graves.

The UN has said the volatile West African nation once divided in two faces a real risk of return to civil war, but a top ally of Alassane Ouattara, the man widely recognized as Ivory Coast’s president, said this war has already begun.

“In any country that records more than 200 dead in five days, as the UN has certified, it’s war. When a country experiences a massive population flight of the population _ more than 20,000 Ivorians who leave their country to seek refuge in a country like Liberia _ it’s war,” Ouattara’s Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, told The Associated Press. The UN has confirmed at least 173 deaths. In New York on Saturday, the United Nations said SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon spoke with Ouattara by telephone and assured him that the international community was working to try to end the stalemate in Ivory Coast. Ban said he appreciated “the restraint and patience being shown even in the face of provocative acts” and reaffirmed the United Nations’ “principled and unwavering position on upholding the election outcome” that should have put Ouattara in office.

The secretary-general also expressed alarm about reports of egregious human rights violations, and said the UN mission in Ivory Coast is doing everything it can to gain access to areas where such violations are being

reported _ both to document any abuses and prevent others from occurring. Ban also took note of Ouattara’s call for International Criminal Court investigation of alleged rights violations.

Human rights groups accuse incumbent Gbagbo’s security forces of abducting and killing political opponents, though Gbagbo allies deny the allegations and say some of the victims were security forces killed by protesters. Gbagbo gave an address late Friday on state television in which he accused the international community of mounting a coup d’etat to oust him and said Ivorians were being subjected to international hostility. “No one has the right to call on foreign armies to invade his country,” Gbagbo said. “Our greatest duty to our country is to defend it from foreign attack.” Soro said Saturday that Gbagbo would only leave power by force and that the international community will have to intervene with “legitimate force” to protect democracy in Africa. He dismissed Gbagbo’s offer to invite an international investigation into the country as a delay tactic.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who also holds the rotating presidency of ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, is due in Abidjan today to negotiate Gbagbo’s depar ture. ECOWAS threatened to use military force to remove Gbagbo if he doesn’t leave freely, but failed to persuade him to go into exile when its first delegation came to Ivor y Coast today.

Jonathan will be joined by African Union emissary Raila Odinga, the Kenyan prime minister who was widely believed to have won the presidential election in his country in 2007, but in the end settled for a power-sharing deal with incumbent President Mwai Kibaki.

The African Union said in a statement yesterday that Odinga is joining the West African leaders, “to strengthen the political efforts being made to find an immediate peaceful solution to the Ivorian crisis.” The statement from Odinga’s office said the Kenyan premier will also seek measures to protect the human rights of civilians in Ivory Coast and “an assurance of safety and security for Mr. Laurent Gbagbo and his supporters, if he agrees to cede power.” Odinga was chosen by the

ABIDJAN: A photo taken on January 1, 2011 a UN peacekeeper standing guard outside the headquarters for the internationally recognized winner of the Ivorian presidential election Alassane Ouattara.—AFP African Union to help in mediation efforts because he is not from the region and may be seen as more impartial than West African leaders. The United Nations had been invited by all parties to certify the results of the Nov. 28 presidential runoff vote. The UN declared Ouattara the winner, endorsing the announcement by the country’s electoral commission.

But Gbagbo has refused to step aside now for more than a month, defying international condemnation and growing calls for his ouster.

The European Union said late Friday that it had approved sanctions on 59 more people, in addition to 19 already sanctioned last week including Gbagbo and his wife. Gbagbo and about 30 of his allies also face US travel sanctions, though such measures have typically failed to reverse illegal power grabs in Africa in the past. West African leaders have said they

are prepared to use military force to push Gbagbo out, but are giving negotiations more time for now. For many, the credibility of the international community is at stake if it is unable to ensure that Ouattara takes power.

Gbagbo points to Ivory Coast’s constitutional council, which declared him president after throwing out more than half a million votes from Ouattara strongholds. The council invalidated election results in those areas, citing violence and intimidation directed at Gbagbo supporters. The top UN envoy in Ivory Coast has disputed that assessment.

Ivory Coast was divided into a rebel-controlled north and a loyalist south by a 20022003 civil war, and the long-delayed presidential election was intended to help reunify the nation. However, tensions over the outcome have sparked violence including several

Nigerian militants deny role in deadly bombing Police hunt for those responsible for attack ABUJA: Nigeria’s biggest militant group denied Sunday involvement in a New Year’s Eve bombing that killed four people in Abuja, as police hunted for those responsible for the attack. MEND, which claims to be fighting for a greater

share of oil revenues for communities in the Niger Delta, had previously claimed responsibility for the last major bombing in the Nigerian capital, when 12 people in a crowd celebrating Independence Day were killed on October 1.

This video image taken from NTA International Television shows emergency workers in Abuja, Nigeria Saturday Dec. 31, 2010.—AP

Cannes-winning Swede Per Oscarsson feared dead in fire STOCKHOLM: Swedish actor Per Oscarsson, who took top honours at the 1966 Cannes film festival, and his wife were feared dead yesterday after human remains were discovered among the ashes of their burned home.

“Remains have been found, but we do not know of whom,” Jan Strannegaard, a police spokesman in the southwestern Swedish region of Vaestra Goetaland, told AFP. Oscarsson, 83, and his wife, 67, were both believed to have been home when their isolated house near the small town of Skara burned to the ground overnight Thursday.

“That is the hypothesis. We don’t have any other theory,” Strannegaard said, pointing out that no one had heard from the couple since the fire. Due to the heat, police technicians had to wait until Saturday to begin sifting through the ashes in search of the couple. At around noon yesterday they discovered the remains of one person. “We will keep looking for the other one today, and if

we don’t finish today, we will continue tomorrow,” Strannegaard said. The cause of the fire was unclear.

Oscarsson is beloved in his home country where he has appeared in theatre, films, television series and popular children’s specials.

He won Best Actor at the 1966 Cannes film festival for his lead role as Pontus in Henning Carlsen’s “Hunger”, an adaptation of the homonymous novel by Norwegian Nobel Literature laureate Knut Hamsun.

Most recently Oscarsson played a part in the screen version of the cult “Millennium” crime trilogy by late Swedish author Stieg Larsson, depicting Holger Palmgren the legal guardian of heroine Lisbeth Salander, a feisty rebel hacker-turned-detective.

Since news emerged he may have perished in the fire, tributes to Oscarsson filled Swedish media with him being described as a “legend of Swedish film” and a “captivating actor with a big heart”.—AFP

Police quell riot at British prison LONDON: Specialist police resolved a riot at a British prison after inmates set buildings alight when staff tried to clamp down on contraband alcohol on New Year’s Day, police said yesterday. Prison authorities launched an investigation into the day-long rampage involving around 40 inmates which started early Saturday at Ford open prison near Arundel in southeast England. Several buildings were burned to the ground and police in body armour and firefighters had to be called in. TV pictures showed flames leaping from several buildings at the 1960s-era prison.

Michael Spurr, chief executive officer of the National Offender Management Service, said the disturbance was “successfully resolved by specially trained prison staff” at

2200 GMT on Saturday. “A high level investigation will commence immediately to ascertain the causes and circumstances surrounding the incident and those involved may be liable to criminal charges,” he said. Spurr said staffing levels at the jail were appropriate despite reports that there were only two prison officers and four support staff on duty to manage a population of around 500 prisoners.

Prisons Minister Crispin Blunt said 150 prisoners had been moved to closed conditions following the violence.

The Prison Officers’ Association said the riots started after staff tried to breathalyse some of the 200 prisoners amid fears contraband alcohol had been smuggled into the jail. —AFP

“Bombings and attacks carried out by MEND are always preceded by a warning in order to prevent casualties and followed by a statement of claim,” the group said in a statement.

Friday ’s attack killed four people and injured 26. There has been no claim of responsibility for the bombing which came after a week in which scores were killed in religious violence in the flashpoint central city of Jos. Defence Minister Adetokunbo Kayode said it was unclear who was behind the bombing, but President Goodluck Jonathan said preliminary analysis indicated the attack was “identical with the ones that happened in Jos” on Christmas Eve. Chief of defence staff Air Marshal Oluseyi Petirin also said the blast appeared similar to the multiple attacks in the central city. “It’s the same type of incident we had in Jos,” he said.

An Islamic sect calling itself Jama’atu Ahlus-Sunnah Lidda’Awati Wal Jihad has claimed responsibility for the December 24 attacks in Jos which claimed more than 80 lives. The group was formerly known as Boko Haram, which launched an uprising in central Nigeria last year in which hundreds were killed in fighting.

A few days later, suspected Islamists killed eight people in Maiduguri. Jos is in the so-called middle -belt region between the predominantly Muslim north and the mainly Christian south and has long been a hotspot of ethnic and religious friction in Nigeria. Jonathan said Friday’s attack in the normally quiet Nigerian capital was “a new and dangerous challenge to our peace and stability.” Vowing to rid the country of “terrorists,” he said attacks of this kind were “bumps” and “obstacles” on the nation’s journey and would be overcome.

The influential This Day newspaper called Sunday for the execution of the bombers as a way to demonstrate government seriousness towards improved security ahead of the elections in Africa’s most populous nation.—AFP

attacks on UN peacekeepers.

Ivory Coast, the world’s top cocoa producer, was officially reunited in a 2007 peace deal.

However, Ouattara still draws his support from the northern half of the country, where residents feel they are often treated as foreigners within their own country by southerners. Col. Mohammed Yerima, director of defense information for the Nigerian military, said that defense chiefs from the 15-nation regional bloc ECOWAS met Friday to begin strategizing what sort of assault they’d use if those talks fail. But his comments appeared to suggest no such attack was imminent, as he said the plans would only be presented to ECOWAS leaders in Mali in mid-January.

Associated Press writers Anita Snow at the United Nations and Tom Maliti in Nairobi, Kenya contributed to this report.—AP

‘Merchant of Death’ says he turned down US plea bargain MOSCOW: The suspected Russian arms dealer known as the “Merchant of Death” said he rejected a US plea bargain offer that would have exposed his alleged contact list, in a rare interview published yesterday.

Viktor Bout also accused the US authorities of waging a well-orchestrated smear campaign and said from his New York prison that he did not expect justice in the United States. “I was offered a softer sentence and a shorter prison term if I told them everything I knew about my contacts in Russia and other countries,” Bout told RIA Novosti in comments relayed to the state news agency by Russia’s deputy consul in New York.

The 43-year-old former Soviet military translator said the plea bargain offer was extended by US Drug Enforcement Administration agents who transported him from Thailand in November. But the man who escaped US authorities for nearly a decade said that he declined the offer and has since been left alone. “There have been no interrogations,” he said. “ There has been nothing that can be interpreted as pressure.”

Bout, whose story inspired the 2005 Nicolas Cage film “Lord of War”, was arrested in a sting operation in Bangkok by Thai and US forces in March 2008 and extradited to New York following a tortuous legal battle.

Military analysts in Moscow said the arrest was a particularly sensitive blow for Russia because it threatened to expose potential links between government officials and the illicit arms trade.

Bout is suspected by the United Nations of selling arms to everyone from the Taliban to Liberia’s former president Charles Taylor. The formal charges filed against him in a Manhattan federal court include terrorism and conspiracy to possess and use anti-aircraft missiles.

The indictment also accuses Bout of

assembling a fleet of cargo planes in the 1990s and transporting weapons to insurgents in violence-wracked countries ranging from Africa and South America to the Middle East. US Attorney General Eric Holder recently called Bout “one of the world’s most prolific arms traffickers”.

Russia initially fought Bout’s extradition to the United States. But the Kremlin’s top foreign policy adviser said following Bout’s move to New York that he “should answer the questions that US justice has for him.” Bout has insisted on his innocence and accused the United States of trying to make him a scapegoat for various international problems. “I think that the court will definitely be biased and not objective. I say this based on the fact that the US government intentionally distorted facts about my life and work in its charge sheet,” Bout said.

He added that the politicallycharged atmosphere made it impossible for him to get a fair hearing. “For the past 10 years, the US authorities have been directly and through the media waging war against me and my family. We have been buried under a torrent of lies,” Bout said. “In such conditions, no one here, including the judge, can be impartial.” Bout also complained of missing his homeland and described being treated like an “especially dangerous mental patient. “They have full control over your every move.

There is absolutely no sun, no air or the sky.”

Russia’s deputy consul Alexander Otchaynov said Bout, a vegetarian, was particularly unhappy about the prison diet and the fact that he was only permitted to make one phone call per month. But Otchaynov said things improved once Bout was given access to a radio.”News from Russia helps immensely,” the deputy consul said. “It is good to have a radio.”— AFP

Russia to ground jets after deadly blast MOSCOW: Russia’s transport authority will recommend the grounding of the workhorse Tu-154 airplane after a jet exploded on a runway, ITAR-TASS reported yesterday, the latest in a string of Tupolev accidents. Three people died on Saturday and more than 30 were injured when a Tu-154 jet burst into flames before take-off from Russia’s Far North city of Surgut.

An aviation source told ITAR-TASS that Transport Minister Igor Levitin will be advised by the head of the Federal Transport Oversight Agency to ground the planes until the investigation is finished. “This is what (Federal Transport O versight Agenc y) head Gennady Kurvenkov told Transport Minister Igor Levitin at the meeting,” the aviation source was quoted as saying. ITAR-TASS said the recommendation would be forwarded to the ministr y within hours.

Russian investigators have meanwhile

found the “black box ” recorders and launched an investigation, a statement said.

Interstate Aviation Committee “is examining the structural details of the craft and its engines,” the agency said. The Tupolev Tu-154 jet has been the workhorse of the Soviet and Russian aviation industries since production began in 1975. But it has recently been hit by a string of accidents that have prompted calls for its recall.

Last month, a Tupolev jet with 169 people on board rolled off the runway at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport on landing and broke into three pieces, killing two and injuring more than 80. In September, a Tupolev carrying 81 people made a “miracle” crash landing at a deserted air strip deep in the Siberian taiga after a complete mid-flight power failure.—AFP

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7th person dies after New Year’s Eve tornadoes Dozens injured

BRASIlIA: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (R) and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speak during Brazilian President-elect Dilma Rousseff’s inauguration at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, on January 1, 2011.—AFP

Chavez, Clinton shake hands, chat amid tensions CARACAS: President Hugo Chavez and US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton shook hands and chatted briefly Saturday in a rare cordial encounter amid a diplomatic dispute that has left Venezuela and the United States without ambassadors in each other’s capitals. The handshake came as leaders were milling about at the inauguration of new Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. It was unclear what Chavez and Clinton discussed. Chavez later described the interaction as a pleasant one, though he did not give much detail. “ We greeted each other,” he told reporters at the Brasilia airport. “She had a very spontaneous smile and I greeted her with the same effusiveness.” In the past week, their governments have shown firmly entrenched stances as the United States revoked the Venezuelan ambassador’s visa in response to Chavez’s refusal to accept the chosen US envoy. “They thought we were going to back down. Anything negative that happens will be the responsibility of the United States,” veteran Venezuelan diplomat Roy Chaderton told the Caracasbased television channel Telesur on Thursday. Chaderton, a close Chavez ally and former foreign minister, said the Venezuelan government was considering its next steps.

Chavez has skipped opportunities to respond during the past few days, saying nothing about the US government’s decision to revoke the visa of Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez. President Barack Obama’s administration took that step in response to Chavez’s rejection of Larry Palmer, who has been awaiting Senate confirmation. It was unclear what concrete effects those actions could have on relations, or to what extent the encounter between Chavez and Clinton could help ease the tensions. Clinton did not respond to questions as she walked into a cocktail reception for Rousseff.

Diplomats from the two countries have long had reduced contacts due to antago-

nism fed both by Chavez’s condemnations of the US and by State Department criticisms of deteriorating democracy in Venezuela. “Much of the cooperation between the United States and Venezuela in recent years has involved lower-level and lower-profile individuals and agencies than the ambassadors, so the immediate fallout will be limited,” said Shannon O’Neil, a fellow for Latin American studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

She said she expects the tensions to persist.

“Demonizing the United States remains too important a political foil for Chavez,” O’Neil said. Palmer angered Chavez by suggesting — in written responses to questions from Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana — that morale is low in Venezuela’s military and that he is concerned Colombian rebels are finding refuge in Venezuela. Chavez accused Palmer of dishonoring his government by expressing concerns on several sensitive subjects — including 2008 accusations by the US Treasury Department that three members of Chavez’s inner circle helped Colombian rebels by supplying arms and aiding drugtrafficking operations.

“This outcome was predictable from the moment Palmer’s comments were made public by Senator Lugar in July,” said Miguel Tinker Salas, a Latin American studies professor at Pomona College in Claremont, California. “For the State Department to allow this predictable outcome to develop shows that they had no interest in improving relations with Venezuela.” Chavez had vowed not to back down in his opposition to Palmer and dared the US government to expel Alvarez before diplomats confirmed on Wednesday that his visa was revoked.

Alvarez was outside the United States when the action was taken, preventing his return. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said earlier last week that the United States hopes to improve strained relations with Venezuela. —AP

NEW YORK: In this Dec. 29, 2010 file photo, visitors in New York’s Times Square navigate through slush three days after snow fell across every corner of the city.—AP

For once, snowstorm nearly shuts down nonstop NYC NEW YORK: When nearly 2 feet (60 centimeters) of thick snow fell across the city the day after Christmas, New Yorkers did what they usually do: move forward, confident that they could. “I’m a New Yorker. I’m used to this,” Christine Mendez said, digging her boyfriend’s car out of a snow drift on Central Park West on Monday.

The city had cleaned up big storms like this, its sixth-worst on record, with ease before. This aftermath was unlike anything New Yorkers had seen in decades. Planes, trains, hundreds and hundreds of buses and ambulances were stuck in the snow for long hours, often with shivering passengers aboard. Snow plows got stuck, along with the tow trucks sent to dig them out. After the last snowflake fell Monday morning, it took another three days before some people saw their mail. City leaders and millions of unraveled residents were left wondering what conflation of events had conspired to produce such an imperfect storm.

Was it the fault of stubborn travelers too determined to get home on time after Christmas, some of whom later abandoned cars in the middle of snow-covered streets?

Was it unprepared, unaware city leaders who didn’t shut down the transit system or send plows into streets on time? A staged slowdown by disgruntled sanitation supervisors?

Or, as Mayor Michael Bloomberg and others said again and again, did the snow just fall too fast? Harry Nespoli, president of the

Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association union, simply said: “We lost this blizzard.” The lead-up to the storm began with low expectations. It wasn’t until Saturday morning, Christmas Day, that the National Weather Service’s prediction of 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) of snow blossomed into a forecast of as much as a foot (30 centimeters).

By late that night, the forecast had gone up to 11 to 16 inches (28 to 41 centimeters) , and then up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) by the time snow started falling yesterday.

On Saturday afternoon, city agency liaisons for transportation, police, sanitation and other agencies were told to report to the city emergency operations center the next day at 4 p.m. The city didn’t declare a snow emergency, which would have removed cars from the city’s busiest, highest-priority roads.

The city has cleaned up after several storms successfully without declaring a snow emergency, which it last did in 2003; Bloomberg said later that finding places to park snowbound cars would have made the situation worse. The mayor, beset by a nasty winter cold, appeared at a press conference early Sunday evening to ask motorists to please stay off the roads. But it seemed few people were listening. Shafquat Hayatin drove his cab into midtown Manhattan, hoping to cash in on the bad weather by ferrying stranded New Yorkers. He ended up sleeping in his taxi yesterday, the gas running to keep the heat on. —AP

KANSAS CITY: Shaken residents spent New Year’s Day sifting through the wreckage wrought by tornadoes that touched down in several states on the last day of 2010, killing seven people and injuring dozens of others.

Six people, three in Missouri and three in Arkansas, died Friday as tornadoes fueled by unusually warm air pummeled the South and Midwest. A seventh person who was injured Friday IN Missouri died Saturday, said Bruce Southard, the chief of the Rolla Rural Fire Department. The woman, identified by the Phelps County Emergency Management as 74-year-old Ethel Price, was entertaining a friend in her trailer when the twister hit. Southard said nothing was left of the trailer except for the frame, and that the twister scattered debris 40 to 50 meters from where the trailer was sitting. The women were found under a pile of debris, and Cox died Friday, Southard said. “It’s like you set a bomb off in it,” Southard said.

At a farm not far away, 21year-old Megan Ross and her 64-year-old grandmother Loretta Anderson died when a tornado hit where their family lived among three mobile homes and two frame houses, Dent County Emergency Management Coordinator Brad Nash said. In Mississippi, the National Weather Service confirmed Saturday evening that three tornadoes ripped through the central part of the state on New Year’s Eve, causing heavy damage and injuring three people. Officials say it damaged structures, blew out billboards, uprooted trees and overturned a tanker trailer.

The cost of the storm wasn’t immediately known, but it was expected to be steep.

In Missouri, state officials received initial reports from nine counties that as many as 280 homes and other structures sustained damage and that at least 50 of them were destroyed. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said 39 homes and 40 businesses were destroyed or seriously damaged by the storms. The storms knocked down trees and power lines.

About 6 inches of rain fell in places, leading to flash flooding.

And emergency management officials in Arkansas say 14 homes and one business in Washington County sustained damage, while in Benton County, 13 homes and five businesses sustained damage.

Missouri’s governor, Jay Nixon, began the new year meeting with emergency workers, cleanup crews and residents in the heavily damaged St. Louis County town of Sunset Hills before heading to Rolla.

Both Nixon and Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe declared states of emergency that could make it easier to eventually obtain federal funding to help with the cleanup effort. In the northwestern Arkansas hamlet of Cincinnati, volunteers from as far away as Ohio came to help after a twister packing winds up to 140 mph claimed three lives. Gerald Wilson, 88, and his wife, Mamie, 78, died in their home and Dick Murray, 78, was killed as he was milking cows. In Missouri, the Red Cross has been giving out hotel vouchers to displaced residents, and Fort Leonard Wood officials were finding places for displaced residents to stay.

Emergency teams in Mississippi were also working Saturday to survey the damage. Forecasters at the National Weather Service’s building at the Jackson airport had been forced into a tornado shelter when winds hit 60 miles per hour. The ClarionLedger newspaper in Jackson reported that the storm forced the evacuation of about 200 people from the Jackson-Evers International Airport, where a possible tornado was reported crossing a runway. Power was knocked out to about 20,000 customers, but by Saturday night, only about 1,500 remained without power. In Missouri, about 8,000 customers were left in the dark on New Year’s Eve, but less than 1,000 were still without power by the next day. Associated Press writer Murray Evans in Oklahoma City contributed to this report. — AP

Standing on a large debris pile, Naomi Shortell, left, looks through a pair of glasses just found by volunteers as she and her friend, Jennifer Hawkins, right, dig through what is left of Shortell’s brother-in-law’s trailer which was destroyed Friday morning, Dec. 31, 2010. — AP

Cuban cardinal confident of release of political prisoners HAVANA: A top Cuban religious leader has expressed confidence that many Cuban political prisoners remaining in jails will be released by the country’s communist government “in coming months.” “There exists a firm promise that these political prisoners will be freed,” Roman Catholic Cardinal Jaime Ortega told the faithful during a church service.

Ortega was referring to a group of 52 political prisoners jailed during a 2003 crackdown against of critics of thenpresident Fidel Castro. Most of these dissidents have already been released, but 11 remain in jail pending decisions on their fate. The cardinal said he was confident the remaining government opponents will not remain behind bars for long. “I have moral certainty that in coming months, we will see the release not only of these prisoners, but also of a larger group of people punished for their political acts or positions,” Ortega said. He noted that some of the inmates planned to leave Cuba for the United States, and some

wanted to remain on the island, but did not offer specifics.

The Catholic church, which has been brokering deals on prisoners’ releases with the Castro regime, announced late last month that two more Cuban political prisoners were set to be released and sent to Spain. The prisoners are not among 52 jailed dissidents Cuba agreed to free earlier this year under a landmark deal.

In a brief statement, the cardinal’s office said Miguel Vidal and Hector Larroque had agreed to leave Cuba for Spain once they are let out of jail at a date yet to be announced. Vidal, it said, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2003 on charges of violence and terrorism, while Larroque was serving a 22-year-sentence for weapons possession and trying to leave the country illegally in 2000. Of the 52 dissidents President Raul Castro agreed to let go in July following talks with Ortega, 40 have emigrated to Spain with their families, one was freed in Cuba. —AFP

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Hong Kong democracy Activist Szeto dies HONG KONG: Veteran Hong Kong democracy activist Szeto Wah, a leading campaigner for the victims of Beijing’s 1989 crackdown on protesters at Tiananmen Square and a voice for mainland dissidents, died yesterday of lung cancer. He was 79.

A teacher and a former primary school principal by trade, Szeto started his political career organizing fellow teachers, building Hong Kong’s Professional Teachers’ Union into one of the territory’s most powerful unions. But he is best known as a democracy advocate. Szeto, like many Hong Kongers, was shocked by Beijing’s military suppression of the pro-democracy protests on Tiananmen, in which at least several hundred people were killed. Along with others he organized the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Democratic Movements in China. The group, which he headed until his death, became a key advocate for both the victims of Tiananmen and for mainland dissidents jailed by the Chinese government.

It continued to criticize the Tiananmen crackdown and called on Beijing to apologize, even after Hong Kong became a semiautonomous Chinese territory in 1997.

Every June 4 the alliance hosts a candlelight vigil to mourn the victims which typically draws tens of thousands of people.

Chinese officials still consider the 1989 protests a “counterrevolutionary” movement.

Szeto was widely admired by the student leaders of the Tiananmen protests and other supporters of the movement.

His death drew emotional tributes from fellow activists. “I am very, very sad. Uncle Wah was a spiritual leader for me and for the democracy movement,” exiled student leader Wang Dan told Hong Kong’s Cable TV. “The greatest achievement of Uncle Wah is that he passed on his spirit before his death. You can tell from (the youth turnout at) the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown that the younger generation has remembered the event,” said Wang, who currently teaches history at a Taiwanese university.

Another exiled student leader living in

One of two troops identified as British

HONG KONG: In this Jan. 19, 2005 file photo, veteran Hong Kong democracy activist Szeto Wah stands in a makeshift tribute area for late Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang in Hong Kong.—AP Taiwan, Wuer Kaixi, said Szeto was involved in efforts to help the Tiananmen protesters escape from China after the crackdown. “I feel like a very dear elder has left us. My heart is with the Hong Kong people,” Wuer said in phone interview. Szeto, who never married, was also active in Hong Kong’s own democracy campaign. He was a founding member of the United Democrats of Hong Kong, which later became the Democratic Party, the territory’s leading opposition party. He retired from the Hong Kong legislature in 2004.

His legacy was slightly tarnished last year when he backed the Democratic Party’s decision to vote for limited reforms for Hong Kong’s half-elected legislature that were endorsed by Beijing, a move that drew a huge backlash from hard-line activists. Szeto was badly heckled when he attended Hong Kong’s annual pro-democracy protest march last July 1. — AP

Malaysian centenarian ready to wed again KUALA LUMPUR: A 110-year-old Malaysian man who has been looking for a wife said he was ready to marry again after an 82year-old woman responded to his wish, a report said yesterday.

Ahmad Mohamad Isa, who has 20 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren, told Malay-language newspaper Utusan Malaysia earlier this week that he wanted company and a wife to take care of him.

The report grabbed the attention of 82year-old Sanah Ahmad, a widow of 30 years and mother of nine, who said she was willing to do so and had asked her children to contact Ahmad’s family to make arrangements. “It doesn’t matter who she is, as

long as she can cook for me,” Ahmad told the paper yesterday, saying he was happy and surprised at the news while his daughter would discuss the matter with Sanah’s family.

“It is lonely to live alone and I am afraid to sleep alone. If I have a wife she can take care of me,” the centenarian, who has five previous marriages and suffers mild hearing and vision problems, said in an earlier interview. Four of his wives have died and he divorced the fifth. Sanah told the paper that she was attracted to Ahmad as he bears a striking resemblance to her late husband and both men shared the same name.— AFP

Afghan envoys head to Pakistan for peace talks KABUL: Afghan efforts to broker peace with the Taleban enter a new phase this week with the first scheduled visit of envoys to Islamabad, part of a growing recognition that the process hinges on Pakistan. Afghanistan’s ex-president Burhanuddin Rabbani is set to lead a delegation from President Hamid Karzai’s High Council for Peace in talks with officials from neighbouring Pakistan.

Pakistan is increasingly seen as key to Afghan stability, despite historic tensions between the two countries linked to Pakistan’s desire to extend its sphere of influence in the region as a bulwark against archrival India.

Key Taleban figures are believed to be hiding out in Pakistan’s wild border regions, while experts say agents from its powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) have protected or even controlled the militants for years.

Islamabad has said it stands ready to facilitate dialogue between Afghanistan and the Taleban. “There will be talks with all stakeholders about bringing peace to Afghanistan,” Rabbani’s deputy Ataullah Ludin told AFP. “This trip is the beginning. We cannot talk about the result now, however, we are optimistic for all peace efforts.” Ludin said the group would meet figures including Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani but would not disclose which day the visit starts.

The move comes at the start of a crucial year for Afghanistan-limited international troop withdrawals are expected to start in July before a planned handover of responsibility for security to Afghan troops in 2014.

But some international diplomats and commanders enter 2011 convinced that the plan can only succeed if there are meaningful talks with the Taleban, and the role of Pakistan is seen as crucial.

Taleban leaders fled to Pakistan’s border regions after the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks.

Most of the Taleban’s top command, including supreme leader Mullah Omar, are believed to be hiding in Pakistan, mostly in the southwestern city of Quetta.

The militia is “intellectually and politically independent but physically under the control of Pakistan”, said Gilles Dorronsoro, a visiting

NATO service member Killed in Afghanistan

scholar on Afghanistan at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

According to Mullah Arsala Rahmani, a former Taleban mediator in Kabul, “at least 29 important Taleban leaders have been arrested by the ISI” since 2001.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have long been tense, but the intensity of the rhetoric between them has eased since Zardari took over from Pervez Musharraf in 2008. It seems that Afghanistan may need all the help it can get in making progress on peace. Karzai made negotiations a top priority in 2010, calling a national conference and creating the High Council for Peace. But attempts to open discussions with the rebels have so far got nowhere.

Media reports in November suggested a Pakistani shopkeeper posing as a senior Taleban leader was brought to Kabul for talks with Karzai before being exposed as a fake.

Afghan officials deny he was ever brought to the capital. Another major setback was Pakistan’s arrest last February of Abdul Ghani Baradar, described by the US as Mullah Omar’s right-hand man who was rumoured to be exploring peace contacts.

By detaining him, “Pakistan was telling Kabul, the West and other Taleban leaders that nothing can happen without it”, Dorronsoro said. In public, too, Islamabad has made clear that it believes it is crucial to bringing peace to Afghanistan. “Nothing will happen without us, because we are a part of the solution,” said Gilani in October, reiterating that his government was ready to facilitate dialogue between Kabul and the Taleban.

Last week, foreign affairs ministry spokesman Abdul Basit confirmed the High Council for Peace’s visit and vowed Pakistan would “continue to support and help in whatever way the Afghanistan government wants”.

Experts say that one key to getting Pakistan to play straight is for the United States to be flexible when it comes to Islamabad’s main obsession, India’s growing influence in Afghanistan and Washington. But any policy seen as soft on terror could jeopardise President Barack Obama’s re-election prospects in 2012, a date which Dorronsoro warns could become “a real problem”.—AFP

KABUL: NATO forces captured two key insurgent leaders in Afghanistan, while a service member was killed in a deadly bombing that raised to three the number of coalition troops killed since the new year began, the multinational alliance said yesterday. The NATO fatalities, all in Taleban’s traditional southern stronghold, kicked off 2011 on a grim note for the international coalition. The British defense ministry identified one of two troops killed Saturday as British. NATO officials say they are making major progress in the war, but note that the gains are reversible. Insurgents are using Pakistan as a base for some of their operations and the government of President Hamid Karzai is widely seen by many Afghans and international observers as so far unable to offer key services to a population struggling for a sense of normalcy amid years of war. The coalition, however, has stepped up efforts to quell the insurgency _ issuing daily announcements of Taleban leaders or their aides captured or killed in joint operations with their Afghan counterparts. The aim is to both undercut the insurgency and to pressure the Taleban to consider peacemaking.

A delegation from the Afghan High Peace Council, set up last October by Karzai, will travel to Pakistan tomorrow to try to initiate talks with the Taleban, said Ataullah Ludin, deputy chairman of the 70-member peace council.

While the council pursued peace, NATO was pressing ahead with its military operations.

The coalition said a senior Taleban leader who was directly involved in a Dec. 18 suicide car bombing in the southern city of Kandahar was captured on Saturday. That attack, which targeted a district chief, killed two passersby and wounded at least nine others. The coalition did not provide other details about the Taleban leader. In the east, a region bordering with Pakistan, NATO said it had arrested an insurgent leader in the feared Haqqani network Al-qaeda-linked militants who operate out of neighboring Pakistan and launch attacks in eastern Afghanistan. That militant, who NATO said was responsible for coordinating attacks against coalition forces, was captured in Khost province.

The coalition on Saturday had announced the arrest of another Haqqani network leader in the same province.

Separately, the multinational force identified a Taleban leader it said was killed in a Dec. 30 operation in the northern province of Kunduz. NATO said Bahadur served as the deputy “shadow governor” for the province and that he provided financial and logistical aid to Taleban leaders and fighters in Kunduz.

Provincial officials had earlier identified the man as Maulvi Bahadar, and said he was the Taleban’s acting shadow governor for the province for several months. The Taleban have set up so-called shadow governors in many provinces, claiming to be the legitimate authority in the area. “The death of Bahadur is a direct blow to the Taleban insurgency, eliminating a key planner and enabler of operations against innocent Afghan people,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Hynes, the director of NATO’s joint operations command center.

NATO also confirmed the death and identity of another Taleban leader in Kunduz.

Abdul Hai was killed on Dec. 31 by coalition forces, NATO said. Officials had previously disclosed the operation, but it had been unclear if the Taleban leader had been among those killed. Fighting has intensified in Afghanistan’s north, once viewed as a relatively safe region, as the Taleban expand from their traditional southern strongholds and launch operations elsewhere in the country. That has contributed to a surge in NATO troop fatalities, with a record 702 killed in 2010. —AP

AFGHANISTAN: Italian soldiers with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) carry the coffin of a fallen colleague at their camp in Herat late on January 1, 2011.—AFP

in the news S Korean activists rally against N Korea near border IMJINGAK: South Korean activists have rallied against North Korea near the heavily fortified border, burning placards with the images of North Korean leaders. The activists criticized leader Kim Jong Il over North Korea’s artillery attack on the South in November during a rally at the South Korean border town of Imjingak yesterday.

The activists also unsuccessfully tried to launch thousands of propaganda leaflets by balloons toward North Korea. The balloons flew southward and burst in mid-air in a southern town before crossing the border because of strong winds. The activists burned placards with the images of a North Korean national flag and the photos of Kim and his son and heir-apparent Kim Jong Un before flying the balloons.

7 killed as Philippine bus collides with jeep MANILA: Police say a bus has collided with a passenger jeep in a province south of Manila, killing seven members of a family who were returning home from a Christmas vacation. Police official Alberto Supapo says the bus was overtaking a car yesterday when it hit the

Manila-bound jeep in the opposite lane of a highway in Ibaan town in Batangas province. Police investigator Nelio Lopez says the collision killed the jeep driver and six of his passengers who were siblings. They were among thousands who were heading back to Manila at the end of the Christmas holiday. Police say some passengers on the bus received minor injuries.

Poorly maintained vehicles and roads and reckless driving are blamed for many deadly accidents in the Philippines.

Japanese emperor greets New Year well wishers TOKYO: Japan’s Emperor Akihito appeared before tens of thousands of people at the imperial palace yesterday, calling for world peace and wishing them a happy new year.” I wish that this year will be a good year, even slightly, for each of you,” he said in a televised address from a glass-covered balcony, joined by other members of the royal family. “At the start of this year, I wish for peace and tranquility of the world and happiness of the people,” the 77-year-old monarch said, as thousands of people waved small flags, with many people shouting “banzai (live long)”.

Woman swept away drowns in Australian floodwaters BRISBANE: A woman drowned after trying to cross a flooded causeway in Australia, becoming the first victim of relentless flooding that one official has described as reaching “biblical proportions,” police said yesterday.

Days of pounding rain last week left much of nor theastern Australia swamped by a sea of muddy water, with flooding affecting about 200,000 people in an area larger than France and Germany combined. The rain has stopped, but rivers are still rising and overflowing into low-lying communities as the water moves toward the ocean. On Saturday night, two cars trying to cross a flooded causeway were swept into a river in Burketown, in western Queensland state, police said.

A 41-year-old woman traveling in the second car disappeared in the rushing water, and her body was recovered yesterday about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) away, Queensland police said. “We’re just grateful there weren’t more casualties,” Queensland’s Acting Assistant

Police Commissioner Alistair Dawson said. “We’re focused on preventing any more.” About 1,000 people were living in evacuation centers across the state, and it may be a month before floodwaters dry up, Dawson said.

“It’s hard to make the call that the worst is behind us,” he said. “It’s a unique event, parts of the state are still in response mode while others are in recovery. I think we’re in the middle of the event.” Officials say half of Queensland’s 715,305 square miles (1.8 million square kilometers) has been affected by the flooding. Queensland Premier Anna Bligh warned that cleanup efforts were expected to cost billions of dollars. Another severe thunderstorm was expected to sweep through much of southern Queensland later yesterday, bringing damaging hail and winds and the potential for flash flooding, the state Bureau of Meteorology warned. “In many ways, it is a disaster of biblical proportions,” Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser

told reporters in the flooded city of Bundaberg on Saturday. The city of Rockhampton, near the coast, is the next community in the water’s path, and is bracing for flood levels to peak Wednesday.

Officials have been evacuating Rockhampton residents for days, and some were still being moved yesterday.

Mayor Brad Carter warned about 40 percent of the city could be affected by the surging waters, and residents could be forced to wait at least two weeks before returning home. Around 1,000 homes had water in their yards by yesterday, Dawson said. About 30 residents were staying at an evacuation center, while others have moved in with friends and relatives. Not everyone was outwardly worried. Water was lapping at the steps of one Rockhampton pub, but the owner had no plans to close down. “In the big cities, they pay big bucks for canal frontage,” Fitzroy Hotel owner Tony Higgins said. — AP

QUEENSLAND: Al Ball wades across a flooded bridge on the Perry River near the town of Gin Gin yesterday.—AFP

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Israel troops shoot dead West Bank Palestinian Unarmed youth killed at checkpoint NABLUS: Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian at a checkpoint near the West Bank city of Nablus yesterday, less than 48 hours after a female protester died after being tear-gassed. Palestinian officials condemned the two deaths, calling them part of a “dangerous escalation” by Israel. The

Palestinian Red Crescent said Mohammed Daraghmeh, in his early twenties, was killed at around 8:00 am (0600 GMT) at the Hamra checkpoint northeast of Nablus. Initial media reports said Daraghmeh had tried to stab soldiers at the checkpoint - a claim denied by Palestinian sources.

TUBAS: Palestinian women mourn during the funeral of 26-year-old Ahmed Maslamani in the West Bank village of Tubas after he was shot dead by Israeli troops at a checkpoint in the occupied Palestinian territory yesterday. —

Name Mossad abductors, Iran MP tells Turkey TEHRAN: A senior Iranian MP called on Turkey to expose the “Zionist kidnappers” of a former deputy defense minister who went missing in Istanbul in 2007, Fars news agency reported yesterday.

“Turkey is expected to release the name of the terrorists from the Mossad spy agency,” the head of parliament’s national security and foreign policy commission Alaeddin Borujerdi said. “Those who had a role in kidnapping (Ali Reza) Asghari in Turkey should be introduced so the Zionists’ crime is fully exposed,” he added. Turkey is a close ally of Iran and is set to host the next round of talks between Tehran and six world powers over the Islamic republic’s controversial nuclear program.

On Friday, acting foreign minister Ali Akbar Salehi, following reports that Asghari may have died in an Israeli jail, asked UN chief Ban Ki-moon for help in discovering his fate. Asghari went missing in February 2007 after checking into a hotel in Istanbul during a private visit.

At the time of his disappearance, Iran accused Israel of snatching Asghari, and media in Israel reported that the Jewish state’s intelligence agency, Mossad, had abducted him. Salehi’s appeal to the UN chief came after Iranian officials and media cited reports posted on Israeli news websites which alleged that Asghari had committed suicide in an Israeli prison. Iranian officials and media said the website reports were later removed.— AFP

The Israeli military confirmed that Daraghmeh was not armed with a knife, but said he entered an unauthorised lane in the checkpoint and was believed to have been holding a bottle. “He approached them, he was standing a few metres from them,” a militar y spokeswoman said. “They asked him to stop, he didn’t answer,” she said, adding that the incident was under investigation. The spokeswoman could not confirm whether the bottle was broken, or if Daraghmeh had explicitly threatened the soldiers. It was also unclear how many soldiers opened fire.

Daraghmeh, from Tubas, north of Nablus, died at the checkpoint after sustaining bullet wounds to his chest, hand and leg, sources at the town’s hospital where he was taken told AFP. Palestinian security sources said Daraghmeh was tr ying to pass through the checkpoint on his way to work at a West Bank settlement yesterday morning and a row broke out with troops when they refused him passage. No soldiers were wounded in the incident, and the checkpoint was closed afterwards.

Several hundred mourners took part in his funeral in Tubas, where he was buried covered by the flag of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a small leftist faction.

Daraghmeh had been a member of the DFLP during his time as a student at AlNajah University in Nablus.

The DFLP accused Israeli soldiers of having “assassinated Daraghmeh in cold blood” and called “on international and humanitarian human rights groups to investigate this heinous crime”.

Nabil Abu Rudeina, spokesman for Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, termed the incident a “dangerous escalation”. “ The Israeli escalation in the last two days is aimed at demolishing any hope of a peace process, and we ask the US administration and the international community to take necessary steps to stop the dangerous escalation,” he told AFP. —AFP

TOURA AL-GHARBEYYEH: Palestinian Fatah supporters gather during a rally to mark the upcoming 46th anniversary since the group’s foundation in this West Bank town near Jenin yesterday. — AP

in the news Israeli PM wants nonstop talks with Palestinians JERUSALEM: Israel’s prime minister says he’s ready to sit down with the Palestinian president for continuous oneon-one talks until they reach a peace deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued his statement yesterday in an apparent bid to breathe life into stalled Mideast peace making. Talks broke down three months ago. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says Israel must halt all settlement construction before talks can resume. Netanyahu has refused, but says he is ready to discuss all issues with Abbas. Yesterday, Abbas said he believed a peace deal could be reached within two months if Israel is serious. In response, Netanyahu said he is ready to sit with Abbas “until white smoke rises” an allusion to the Vatican’s custom when top Catholic Church officials decide on a new pope.

Iran snubs Valentine’s Day TEHRAN: Cupid beware: Iran says it’s cracking down on the symbols of Valentine’s Day. The annual homage to romance on Feb. 14 has become popular in recent years in Iran and other places in the Middle East. But Iran’s semiofficial ILNA news agency reports yesterday that a state directive now bans any cards,

gifts, teddy bears or other tokens of the day _ which tradition says is named after an early Christian martyr. The backlash in the Islamic Republic is part of a drive against the spread of Western culture.

Other Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia also have sought to stamp out Valentine’s Day. But it’s celebrated widely in nearby places such as Dubai.

Projectile fired from Gaza hits Israel JERUSALEM: A projectile fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel struck the southern Eshkol region yesterday, the Israeli military said.It caused no casualties or damage, a military spokeswoman told AFP. Palestinian militant groups have fired dozens of rockets and mortar rounds into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip in recent months, causing damage and light injuries on several occasions.In response, Israel has launched a series of retaliatory air raids, several of them deadly, targeting what the military described as training sites, weapons facilities and smuggling tunnels. Warplanes carried out two raids on the Gaza Strip early yesterday, wounding two people, Palestinian emergency services said. The Israeli military said they were in response to Palestinian rockets fired the previous night.

Iraq gun and bomb attacks kill four, wound 18 BAGHDAD: Bomb and gun attacks across Iraq claimed the lives of four people, including a soldier and a policeman, and wounded 18 others yesterday, security and medical officials said. Two people, including an Iraqi soldier, were killed and three others wounded by a car bomb targeting an Iraqi army patrol in Al-Qayyara, 50 kilometres (31 miles) south of the northern Iraq city of Mosul, Iraqi army First Lieutenant Khattab Mohammed said.

One policeman was killed and four others were wounded when gunmen attacked a checkpoint in Al-Filahat area, 10 kilometres (six miles) west of Fallujah, which is itself west of Baghdad, police Captain Omar al-Filahi said. In Balad, 70 kilometres (43

miles) north of Baghdad, unknown assailants blew up the home of local prosecutor Hardan Khalifa, killing one woman and wounding eight others, including three women and a child, a hospital official said. And in Baquba, 60 kilometres (37.5 miles) northeast of the capital, two improvised explosive devices wounded three people, including Mal Allah Abbas Ahmed, who heads the Sunni religious endowment for Diyala province, police and medical officials said. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who was approved by parliament for a second term along with a national unity cabinet on December 21 after more than nine months of political deadlock, has cited security as one of his priorities. — AFP

Private schools for the poor fill gap in S Africa JOHANNESBURG: Dintle Zulu wanted something better for her only child than the worn classrooms, demoralized teachers and defiant students she had faced herself. So Zulu enrolled Samantha at an elite private school in a wealthy Johannesburg neighborhood, where she, then a cook, and her husband, a furniture salesman, struggled to pay the tuition. Five years ago, under pressure to pay up or withdraw Samantha, Zulu dropped into a modest school near the cafeteria where she worked. The teacher told her to bring Samantha, now 13, to start the next day, and to worry about paying when she could. She now pays 380 rand (about $50) a month, while private schools for the rich can easily run to move than $1,000 a month.

As the public school system collapses in South Africa, a free market replacement is emerging: Private schools for the poor. Such schools are also coming up elsewhere in Africa and in the developing world. In South Africa, they cater to poor Africans left behind in a system that has struggled to close the gap apartheid created between white and black schools.

The picture is not all rosy: Some schools stay in business just long enough to collect parents’ money, and there are questions about who ensures the schools are safe and deliver what they promise. The schools also lack the manicured playing fields and high-tech classrooms of private schools for the rich. But the pressure to stay in business means that they deliver the good grades and strong discipline parents demand. Only a third of third-graders in South Africa meet the minimum literacy and numeracy standards, according to national test results. Last year, a third of those taking final-year exams failed.

“We must acknowledge that there is poor teaching in many of our schools,” education minister Angie Motshekga told reporters when last year ’s dismal exam results were announced. “Management in our schools is often weak and lacks leadership and commitment. Our systems

are also often inefficient.” Researcher Ann Bernstein said she had long wondered why South African parents weren’t taking to the streets to protest the poor education their children were getting. So a team of researchers from her independent Centre for Development and Enterprise set out to investigate no-frills private schools.

“Some parents are just voting with their feet,” Bernstein said. Parents are “not apathetic. They’re not sitting and waiting for the day the education system improves.” Over two years, her team found more than 100 private schools in poor neighborhoods of Johannesburg and rural areas in eastern South Africa. Most of them had been operating for more than a decade, surprising experts who had expected far fewer schools and assumed most went out of business in a few years.

A quarter of the schools Bernstein studied had not registered with the government, making them illegal.

Parents who send their children to illegal schools have no guarantee state standards are being met or diplomas will be recognized. Children are taught in abandoned factories and office buildings. The schools have aspirational names like Freedom and Phoenix. In many cases, parents encourage teachers who impress them to open schools. Samantha’s Progressive Primary dates to 1991, when a Christian school in downtown Johannesburg went out of business and parents persuaded several of its teachers to start their own school.

On average, the schools charged about 700 rand ($100) a month, much less than wealthy private schools, but more than the 100 rand ($15) a month for public schools in the same neighborhoods. After comparing assessment test results, Bernstein’s researchers wrote in a report that “private schools are no worse than public schools, and significantly better in some areas.” At poor private schools, administrators at times have to be patient about getting paid, but parents are demanding. If kids’ grades

drop or a discipline problem crops up, the parents change schools, Bernstein said. As a result, the entrepreneurs who run such schools keep classes small and show little patience with teachers who don’t perform, even if, to keep costs down, many of the teachers don’t have the qualifications to work in public schools.

Qualified or not, teachers are dedicated, Bernstein said. At Progressive, head teacher Sonja Kruger said that as a white South African, she was given the best that the state had to offer under apartheid. Now, she said, she has a responsibility to give back. She earns 7,000 rand (about $1,000) a month after 15 years at Progressive, about half the average salary for a teacher in Johannesburg. Kruger started as the school’s secretary and has taught for the last six years. Most of the other teachers and all the students are black.

“When you see the kids achieving, it’s payback,” Kruger said. “I’d say every single teacher that’s here is passionate. They have to be, because they’re not in it for the money.” Progressive Primary is in what used to be the headquarters of a chain of coffee shops, squeezed between a copy shop and a parking garage. Kruger has noticed similar schools opening in the neighborhood, and says the competition is good for poor kids. “I don’t see why, because they don’t have money, their education shouldn’t be as good as anyone else’s,” she said.

Progressive’s motto: “Let us shape your child into a top achiever.” It has sent graduates - with scholarships - on to some of Johannesburg’s most demanding high schools. When he speaks of his years at Progressive, Victor Tshilombo, 24, now a secondyear medical student at Johannesburg’s premier University of Witwatersrand, keeps returning, a note of astonishment in his voice, to the fact that he spoke no English when he arrived. He had been passed from year to year at his previous public school. Progressive teachers put him back five grades, and embarked

JOHANNESBURG: In this Oct 28, 2010 photo, Samantha Zulu (second from right) looks on as teacher Micheal Mpubane (unseen) speaks during the Bible study class at the Progressive Primary. — AP on intensive lessons.

Tshilombo said he developed determination and confidence. That was important after he graduated from an elite Johannesburg public high school, when he had to work for two years as an army ambulance dispatcher because he did not have the money to go to medical school.

Finally, Witwatersrand offered him a scholarship. When he becomes a doctor and starts a family, he’ll be able to afford more expensive schools, but he does not believe he’ll find better than Progressive. He remembers the attention he got when he struggled, even though “my father wasn’t rich. I don’t think he even paid school fees on time.”

At Progressive, 13-year-old Samantha praises her teacher for being “always present. He has never been late to school.” It may seem minor, but teacher absenteeism is a crisis in many public schools. Zulu does not blame the teachers entirely:

Their salaries are low, and morale even lower. Most black teachers received the inferior education reserved for blacks under apartheid, and now struggle to meet the new government’s higher standards. They also battle in ill-equipped classrooms with students who seem ready to protest at the slightest provocation.

In the 1970s and 1980s in public schools, young protesters were celebrated for risking their lives to stand up to apartheid. Some of today’s students seem to feel protest is their birthright.

“In Soweto, you know, we really are disrespectful to the teachers,” Zulu said. “I still see kids roaming around the streets during school hours.”

Bernstein said discipline is a key demand of parents at the schools she studied. Progressive’s head teacher, Kruger, said the school respects the law against corporal punishment, but many parents ask that their children be hit if they misbehave. Critics worry

that such schools will only widen the gap between the haves and havenots, as the most committed parents and the most promising students leave already troubled public schools for private ones. They also worry that governments will turn over the bulk of the responsibility of education to private schools, wealthy or poor.

“If the public system does not work for the poor, it is a failed state, then you’re letting the market take over something that’s basic and fundamental,” said Wongani Grace Nkhoma of the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa. “States have to understand that they have the responsibility to provide education that’s of good quality, to every child.”

For next year, Samantha has been accepted at a competitive public high school with an emphasis on science and technology. “I’m so ready for high school and all its challenges,” Samantha said. “I do realize how lucky I am.” — AP

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Issues Taiwan’s allies expand China ties

By Mica Rosenberg and Alex Leff riendlier ties between Taiwan and China are allowing Central American nations to deepen economic links with the communist giant, increasing Chinese influence in a region dominated by the United States. Central American businesses say the isthmus has been held back by its long support of Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by Beijing as part of China, denying the banana and textile exporting countries free access to the world’s No. 2 economy. The region has been torn between Taiwan’s generous aid and the promise of doing business with Beijing, enviously looking on while bigger economies like Brazil, Chile and Peru steadily increase their shipments of raw materials to China.

Costa Rica made the surprise move of breaking off its decades-long relationship with Taiwan in 2007, now only recognized by a handful of small countries. El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Guatemala say they have no immediate plans to abandon Taiwan, but are worried they will be left behind after Costa Rica agreed to a free trade deal with China in April that lawmakers aim to ratify in 2011. China has traditionally shunned business with Taiwan’s allies, but in August this year the island and the mainland passed a landmark trade deal, binding their economies together and opening the door for similar pacts with other countries.

“It is not in Beijing’s interest anymore to close off completely Taiwan’s diplomatic ties ... it is willing to allow the government of Taipei to maintain some dignity,” by holding onto recognition from countries in Central America, said Eugenio Anguiano, a China expert at Mexican think tank CIDE. Central America, a generally poor region regularly hit by hurricanes and floods, is taking advantage of the thawing tensions by expanding commerce with China where it can.

Honduran President Porfirio Lobo signed a $1.2 million contract in September with Chinese firm Sinohydro Corporation to help build three hydroelectric dams

F

in western Honduras to generate 524 megawatts of power. “We have an excellent relationship with Taiwan ... But we cannot close our eyes to reality,” said the head of Honduras’ industrial association, Adolfo Facusse. “The world has changed and it’s in our interest to have more direct relations with China,” he added.

El Salvador and Nicaragua hosted trade fairs this year promoting Chinese-made food, cars, machinery, high-technology and medical equipment as cheaper imports from China can cut costs for companies. Nicaragua imported $260 million of Chinese goods last year, mostly shuttled through intermediary countries like Mexico and the United States. To sugarcoat China’s new alliance with Costa Rica, Beijing bought $300 million of Costa Rican government bonds and is building a gleaming new 35,000seat stadium in San Jose.

China is already the second-biggest user of the Panama Canal, with around 20 percent of its exports passing through the waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The United States is carefully watching China’s so-called soft power in the developing world in the form of foreign aid and investment.

Central America is by no means a top priority for Washington, but the United States fought proxy wars in the 1980s to prevent the spread of communism.

More recently, a Central America-US trade deal has been designed to consolidate the region into a lucrative single market.

China’s trade with Latin America grew tenfold between 2000 and 2007, reaching $142 billion in 2008, still smaller than the United States but growing at a faster rate, according to the US Congressional Research Service. China’s growing prowess prompted El Salvador ’s president, Mauricio Funes, to say last month that he would consider ditching Taiwan in the future.

Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli talked about allying with China during his election campaign. “We have chosen to have diplomatic relations with Taiwan but commercial relations with both,” Martinelli said in a recently published interview. — Reuters

All articles appearing on these pages are the personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait Times takes no responsibility for views expressed therein. Kuwait Times invites readers to voice their opinions. Please send submissions via email to: opinion@kuwaittimes.net or via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. The editor reserves the right to edit any submission as necessary.

Yemen’s coffee industry smells market share

By Felice Friedson

T

hey came from as far away as the United States and New Zealand to attend the Second International Conference on Arabica Naturals: the diplomats; the cuppers; the distributors, consultants and farmers. All in Sana’a to smell the rich aromatic Yemeni coffee and to seek the internationalization of standards for natural coffees. Underwritten by the Small Micro Enterprise Promotion Service (SMEPS), a subsidiary of the Social Fund for Development and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Arabica Naturals Conference was the first to be held in Yemen, with a strong emphasis on showcasing the sweeter side of a country that to westerners, is primarily branded a terrorist haven.

SMEPS Executive Director Wesam Qaid, the moving force behind and chairman of the conference, said the meeting - drawing from groups representing the world’s premier coffee producing nations including Ethiopia, Mexico, Indonesia and New Zealand put Yemen back on the coffee map.

“Yemen coffee is rich and is 100 percent taken care of by hand, no machines,” Qaid told The Media Line, explaining what differentiates Yemen’s coffee from other coffee grown elsewhere.

The two-day confab, held at Sanaa’s beautiful but heavily-fortified Movenpick Hotel, included workshops on cupping, roasting and espresso, along with professional and trade presentations and coffee exhibitions.

Kicking-off the first day of events, Yemen’s Prime Minister Dr Ali Muhammad Mujawir praised the coffee farmers, asserting “that there is no better coffee than those of Yemen’s mountains; and we thank the farmers who raise the name of Yemen high in the world...[making] coffee an original, national symbol.”

Addressing the fact that Yemen’s coffee industry lacks international standing in large part because it does not adhere to a system of grading recognized by coffee producers worldwide, the prime minister raised the industry’s concerns, admonishing that, “We must conform to the international standards of producing coffee. This requires cooperation among governments; and among international and expert officials.”

Deputy Prime Minister Abdulkarim Al-Arhabi, who is the managing director of the Social Fund for Development, told participants representing 26 countries including the US, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Eritrea and Lebanon, that, “$1.2 billion has been mobilized in a program to microfinance enterprise industry in Yemen: 90 percent of which is coming from foreign sources.” Yemen, with its rich history and century-old techniques, is unique in that it consumes two-thirds of the coffee it produces. The United States has committed to contribute millions of dollars to boost Yemen’s economy, which is one of the poorest countries in the world and supports a population of 24,000,000 people. US Ambassador Gerald Feierstein is one of those who sees the focus on coffee as a welcome diversion from the typical blood-and-mayhem coverage Yemen typically receives. He told The Media Line that most Americans don’t know that Yemen is so closely associated with coffee and “I think if the

American people have an opportunity to try it, they’ll also have a great experience with it. It’s a way of showing Yemen in a more positive light.”

The earliest written evidence of coffee drinking appears in the mid15th century, from the Sufi Yemeni monasteries in southern Arabia. But 21st-Century Yemen today faces several challenging obstacles in its quest to attain a significant global market share. Coffee here is grown in remote areas, on steep mountain sides reaching thousands of meters in height, restricting farmers’ access and making it physically difficult to reach the growing fields with heavy manure the natural fertilizer of preference.

Qaid explained that chemicals are too difficult to carry into these remote areas.

A large percentage of the farms are located on mountains - on open patches of land scattered across mountains and terraces, some shaded by larger trees, and some by clouds according to Nadia Al-Sakkaf, editorin-chief of The Yemen Times. Speaking to The Media Line, Al-Sakkaf painted a visual image describing “men and women jumping rocks in risky areas”.

“Yet,” she said,“they still feel at home.”

great deal of water); and the lack of marketing strategy, most farmers have given up on traditional farming techniques (trimming trees and shading) and many have left farming altogether. According to Al-Sakkaf, the women, who are increasingly central to the nation’s coffee farming industry, need the support of the international community to open Yemen’s access to the international market. Qaid charged that, “the Yemeni coffee private sector is marketing coffee the same as they marketed coffee 300 and 400 years ago. However, markets have changed.”

Dressed in a colorfully appliqued hijab headcovering and jilbab, the traditional black gown, Amira Al-Hemyari tells The Media Line that as a distributor her company, El Ezzi Industries, cares about the farmers’ needs as well as its bottom line. She says it has alleviated the water shortage by supplying farmers with water storage tanks and has helped their farmers to rid their farms of the harmful qat plant which soaks the coffee plant dry.

Amira says that the narcotic-like plant, which is farmed as a separate crop and a lucrative one at that - “takes a lot of water and gives good profit but kills the land.”

deal directly with the farmers. The company’s mocha coffee is a source of both corporate and national pride. AlSafi told The Media Line,“We are trying to keep the Mocha brand for our company. It belongs to Yemen and we don’t want someone stealing it.”

Cupping Mario Fernandez is an expert “cupper” who comes from a line of Mexican coffee- growers dating back to the 1830s. Fernandez came to Yemen to contribute to two indispensable elements necessary in order for the nation’s coffee trade to prosper: his ancient art and to consult on an international grading system for natural coffees. “Cupping” is a sensory analysis of coffee utilizing the tongue and mouth to identify whether a cup of coffee is good or bad. His presence was timely: “The public needs to be educated about how to prepare coffee,” Fernandez said. “Until last week no one in Yemen knew how to cup.”

The cuppers are typically buyers or suppliers of coffee.

David Roche, the technical director for the Coffee Quality Institute based in Long Beach, California, explained further: “It’s a slurping technique,” he said. “You vaporize the flavors in your

Yemeni vendors sit on the ground having their breakfast in old city of Sanaa on Saturday. – AP Rural areas are home to 70 percent of Yemen’s population. Of rural dwellers, more than 80 percent are women because the men - and particularly the younger men - have gone to the cities in search of a better life leaving the women to tend the farms, according to Al-Sakkaf. Qaid explained the link between the nation’s agricultural and demographic concerns, saying that, “If we can improve life in rural Yemen, we can limit migration to urban areas. We need to promote economic development.” In the conference exhibition hall, Fatma - all covered in black manned a table sponsored by the Talouq Womens Association, an organization comprised of 164 female farmers. Fatma expounded on the problems her group is addressing, telling The Media Line that, “We lack the staff to train women on the machinery and a budget for training.”

Coffee used to be a source of income for many but because of the drought (coffee-growing requires a

But Abd Al-Rahman Mohamed of Musallam Trading disagrees. The water shortage is a natural occurrence, he says. “We need dams for water because of the drought.” Qat farmers outnumber coffee farmers by a margin of 680,000 to 110,000. The majority of farms have women tending trees, pruning and picking cherries. It’s common among small farmers to pick their coffee beans and store them for years, saving them for a rainy day when they are in need of immediate cash. They all work through middlemen and several key distributors who then sell the coffee beans to the local and world markets.

The Al-Hamdani and Al-Kbous companies are the two oldest and largest exporters, both of which have been around for more than 100 years.

Al-Kbous has one of the largest factories in the Middle East. Hamida Hamden Al-Safi told The Media Line that the firm currently supplies Japan, the US, Canada and the Gulf states through their forty distributors who

mouth and have an instant reaction.

You take note of that specific technique for evaluating coffee. Any country can claim they have the best coffee; there is good and bad in all countries.” The conference was Roche’s second trip to Yemen. Previously, he visited the coffee farms for a first-hand look when he came to the country to teach cupping. He told The Media Line that, “Yemen coffee is unique and has always been high priced. Yemen’s biggest problem is quantity. They fell to almost one-third of their production level of 15 years ago in part because of the better price of other crops such as Qat; the price of coffee on the world market; and the shortage of healthy trees in fields. [In Yemen] the farmers grow it on roof tops and sometimes store it in caves for years.

They also need to understand what the consumer wants. Our role is in standardizing the coffee.”

The reference to “naturals” means the whole coffee bean is picked and dried with the skin on it. The opposite

is “washed,” which one coffee producer described as “the difference between red wine and white wine”.Yet, there is currently no world-wide system for grading naturals. The “Q System,” implemented by the Coffee Association of America and The Coffee Quality Institute, is geared for top quality coffees and specialty coffees; and not applicable beyond the top ten per cent of the world’s coffees.

Of the 18,000 tons of coffee it produces annually, Yemen only exports 4,000 - 6,000 tons, the rest being consumed by Yemenis. That figure is growing, with coffee houses springing up seemingly everywhere, but remains small when compared to Columbia or Brazil, each exporting hundreds of thousands of tons annually. The largest importers of Yemen’s coffee are Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States, along with the United States.

Europe and Japan follow.

In the United States, roughly half the population - an estimated 150 million Americans - consumes some type of coffee. World-wide, coffee is a $16 billion industry - the second-most traded commodity after petroleum. In 2011, about 135 million 60 kg bags of coffee will be produced - some 1.7 billion pounds of coffee. A stop at The Coffee Trader revealed a mix of societies melding around coffee. Dressed in Western-style clothing but wearing a jelbab covering, Susan Coleman, the Wisconsin expatriate who is co-owns the Sana’a cafe and coffee store stayed busy serving customers.

Featuring US-style service and decked-out with Christmas ornaments, the cafÈ’s ambiance is distinctly American - until you notice that some of the men are dressed in traditional Yemeni clothing and some of the young women working on their laptops are garbed in floor-length jelbabs, sipping their coffee through a narrow slit in the veil. Meanwhile, at the conference, the coffee competition was the final event. Q-certified cuppers from around the world tasted and rated fruity, spicy and chocolaty coffees. Yemen’s own coffee - featuring a tinge of chocolate and raisin took second place to Tanzania’s blueberry and fresh fruit flavors. Ethiopia came in third place.

Qaid told The Media Line that one of the conference’s successes is that SMEPS has been commissioned to prepare a report with recommendations for developing Yemen’s coffee sector-including plans for a coffee fund with buy-ins from farmer groups — that will be presented to the government in March 2011, with Yemen poised to enter the International Coffee Organization. Also coming from the conference is newfound hope that the coffee market will become more balanced as sun dried coffees continue to gain international exposure and new cupping procedures for them have now been introduced. David Roche shared the optimism for his Yemeni hosts. “Change in Yemen will take a decade,” he told The Media Line. “But sophisticated drinkers who buy whole bean coffee will buy Yemini coffee and they’ll pay more for it. It’s boutique,” he said. Qaid agreed.

“Yemini coffee is experiencing a renaissance. New coffee shops are popping up all over the place. Young Yeminis are learning the skills of coffee,” he said. Asked which his own favorite coffee is, he replied “ancient Typica from Haraz.” In Yemen, of course. — Media Line

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MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

ANALYSIS

Countless Juarez residents flee ‘dying city’

By Will Weissert he mother of four raised a finger, pointing out abandoned and stripped concrete homes and counting how many families have fled the Western Hemisphere’s deadliest city on her street alone. “One, two, three, four, here, and two more back there on the next block,” said Laura Longoria. The 36-year-old ran a convenience store in her working-class neighborhood in south Juarez until the owners closed shop, fed up with the tribute they were forced to pay to drug gangsters to stay in business. Her family vowed to stick it out. But then came the kidnapping of a teen from a stationery shop across the street.

After that, Longoria’s husband, Enrique Mondragon, requested a transfer from the bus company where he works.

“They asked, ‘where to’,” he recalled. “I said, ‘Anywhere’. ” No one knows how many residents have left the city of 1.4 million since a turf battle over border drug corridors unleashed an unprecedented wave of cartel murders and mayhem. Business leaders, citing government tax information, say the exodus could number 110,000, while a municipal group and local university say it’s closer to 230,000 and estimates by social organizations are even higher. The tally is especially hard to track because Juarez is by nature transitory, attracting thousands of workers to high-turnover jobs in manufacturing, or who use the city across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas, as a way station before they slip north illegally.

But its toll is everywhere you look. Barely a week goes by when Longoria and her husband don’t watch a neighbor move away.

Then the vandals arrive, carrying off window panes, pipes, even light fixtures, until there’s nothing but a graffiti-covered shell, surrounded by yards strewn with rotting food or shredded tyres.

That could be what’s in store for Longoria’s three-room home of poured concrete if her husband’s transfer comes through.

Long controlled by the Juarez Cartel, the city descended into a horrifying cycle of violence after Mexico’s most-wanted kingpin, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, and his Sinaloa Cartel tried to shoot their way to power here beginning in 2008. President Felipe Calderon sent nearly 10,000 troops to restore order. Now, the Mexican army and federal authorities are going door-todoor, conducting an emergency census to determine just how many residents have fled. Many people, however, refuse to answer their questions for fear authorities are simply collecting information about neighborhoods so they can begin extorting residents - just like the drug gangs. “Soon,” Longoria said, “there won’t be many people left to count.”

While many Juarez residents fleeing the violence seek out more peaceful points in Mexico, others have streamed across the border into El Paso, population 740,000, where apartment vacancies are down and requests for new utility services in recently purchased or rented houses have spiked, according to Mayor John

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Cook. Massacres, beheadings, YouTube videos featuring cartel torture sessions and even car bombs are becoming commonplace in Juarez, where more than 3,000 people have been killed this year, according to the federal government, making it among the most dangerous places on earth. El Paso, by contrast, has had three violent deaths - and one was a murder-suicide.

Juarez Chamber of Commerce President Daniel Murguia said at least 6,000 city businesses have closed so far this year, according to Mexican Interior Ministry figures. There is no data available on those shuttered amid last year’s and 2008 violence, however, or on scores of businesses targeted by arsonists. Kathy Dodson, El Paso’s economic director, said the number of fees paid for new city business permits there have not increased dramatically, but Jose

“There’s a lot of people afraid.

I don’t blame them. Even if they haven’t had a bad experience, they don’t want to be the next one to have one, so they run away,” said the factory owner. He said he will never move back to Juarez but hopes the violence will one day calm enough for him to visit. “It’s a city that’s dying,” he said. “It’s out of control.” Many of those who have not left want to, including Marta Elena Ramirez.

She owns Restaurant Dona Chole, specializing in menudo, a clear soup made with beef stomach. Her cafeteria-style eatery is on the second floor of an indoor market of Mexican handicrafts.

Ramirez said sales are down 50 percent since 2007, when Americans used to head south for drinking and clubbing, or to stock up on Mexican knickknacks. Now they are too afraid to come. Though she has held US

to drug trafficking, staying in Juarez means paying off extortionists - like a 43-year-old food wholesaler near the city’s center who provides everything from bulk dog food to beer that smaller stores use to stock their shelves.

In September 2009, associates from “La Linea,” enforcers for the Juarez Cartel comprised of hit men and corrupt police and soldiers, visited his store and said he would be required to pay 4,000 pesos - about $330 - a week “for protection”.“They came to see me in a very friendly way,” said the business owner, who asked that his name and key details be omitted so he could not be identified. “Everyone is paying. Those who aren’t paying are out of business, even dead.”

As recently as 2008, he had 500 wholesale customers; now it’s down to 200. Two storeown-

harassed by police for illegally parking in front of his business.

“At first, I used to say ‘this will pass’, but now I’m resigned that there’s no solution,” said the wholesaler, who has applied for US residency to move to El Paso.

Murguia said extortion payments are now so common that they’ve become known as “cobras del piso” or “floor charges” for doing business in Juarez - but that there’s no measure of how much payoffs cost business citywide per year because few admit to paying them. Many familiar Juarez restaurants have shut down only to pop up anew on the US side. The high-end Mexican eatery Maria Chuhchena closed its original location in Juarez and resurfaced in El Paso, though the restaurant maintains a branch in Juarez ’s spiffy Campestre district. Another Juarez favorite, Aroma, was one

In this photo taken Dec 13, 2010, a doctor gives an interview to a television crew at the end of a protest against violence and lack of security at the entrance to the state attorney general’s office in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The medical community has staged work stoppages and protests and presented top state government officials with a list of eight demands, including increasing the number of state investigators in Juarez to 200. – AP Luis Mauricio, president of a group for new Mexican business owners in El Paso known as “La Red,” or The Net, said membership has grown from nine in February to about 280 today.

“Maybe it ’s a bit sad for Juarez, but these are business owners who are moving here because they have no choice,” said Mauricio, who leads weekly breakfasts for Mexican expatriates looking to set up businesses in El Paso. One club member is a Mexican-American who owns a factory in Juarez but moved to El Paso with his family after he was kidnapped last year. The 50-yearold, who asked that his name not be published to avoid further repercussions, was held in a Juarez safe house - but managed to untie his hands and cry for help loud enough that neighbors called the Mexican army to rescue him.

residency for 18 years, Ramirez lives in Juarez and had never considered moving - until now.

She’s stopped paying rent on her restaurant and is looking for investors to help her star t a street food cart in El Paso. “I’ve always been a fighter, and this is my Juarez. I’ve always said, ‘No matter what happens, Juarez is mine,”‘ said the 65-year-old. “But too much has happened.”

As commerce in the city dries up, even Juarez residents who do not move north cross into El Paso more frequently for services no longer available in their neighborhoods and spend $220 million a year in El Paso, said Murguia. “Here it’s a problem of opportunity, not just violence,” he said.

“There are no jobs, and that means there are more people who are becoming hit men and criminals.” Even for those not tied

ers who used to do business with him have been gunned down in their stores over the last year, and a third shot dead in his kitchen.

Business got so slow that his extortionists recently reduced his weekly payment to 2,500 pesos, about $205, but warned him never to miss a week.

Every week, the wholesaler receives a call in which a distorted voice provides a bank account number where money can be deposited but not withdrawn. He takes cash to indicated bank branches and makes deposits.

The wholesaler’s son-in-law was kidnapped early last year - the family put $230,000 on a debit card and exchanged it for his safe return. His store had also been burglarized previously. Since he began paying for protection, however, all crime around him has ceased and his customers have even stopped getting

of three eateries set ablaze by arsonists on a single night in June 2008 and now operates in El Paso.

Now parts of Juarez after sundown are all but deserted - even in the heart of downtown. Closed used car dealerships, taco and hamburger stands, pharmacies, ice cream parlors and muffler shops give way to a block of abandoned doctors’ and dentists’ offices, which stand forlornly next to a closed stereo outlet and across from an empty office supply store. “Se renta” and “se vende”, signs offering retail space for rent or sale are everywhere, plastered to the shuttered pizzeria, the closed and looted furniture store, the defunct locksmith and the empty facade of “Jersey Mechanic”. Other abandoned properties are tagged with a simple phrase in black spray paint: “How many more?” — AP

Battles on budget, healthcare loom for Obama

By John Whitesides fter a good end to a not-sogood year, US President Barack Obama faces even tougher challenges in the months ahead as looming fights over spending and healthcare set the stage for a difficult 2012 re-election campaign. When a new Congress convenes on Wednesday, Obama will be confronted for the first time by a Republican majority in the House of Representatives and a strengthened Republican minority in the Senate. Whether he strikes deals with those newly powerful foes and continues the momentum built in December’s “lame-duck” Congress or becomes mired in another bout of legislative gridlock could be a critical factor in Obama’s prospects for a second term.

“The political climate is about to completely change for Obama, and how those budget and healthcare battles play out will really determine his status for the race in 2012,” said Steven Schier, a political analyst at Carleton College in Minnesota. A burst of accomplish-

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ment in Congress during the final days of December produced a tax deal with Republicans, repeal of the ban on gays serving openly in the military and ratification of a new nuclear arms treaty with Russia.

Those triumphs for Obama followed months of economic doldrums, stubbornly high unemployment and sinking approval ratings that culminated in November’s self-described election “shellacking.” Before heading to Hawaii for his Christmas vacation, Obama said the achievements of December showed what could happen when both parties work together. He also acknowledged the bipartisan mood could be short-lived. “I’m not naive. I know there will be tough fights in the months ahead,” Obama said. “But my hope heading into the new year is that we can continue to heed the message of the American people and hold to a spirit of common purpose.”

Topping the agenda in the new Congress will be a clash over government spending and deficit reduction, with Republicans itching to push through dramatic

spending cuts before a bill to fund the government expires on March 4. Obama and his fellow Democrats are likely to object to Republican priorities for proposed spending cuts of as much as $100 billion.

Democrats have warned against sharp reductions in social services, particularly in a sluggish economy.

Republicans also have promised to take a stab at rolling back Obama’s landmark healthcare overhaul, an issue certain to face heavy opposition from Obama and Democrats.

Obama will have a chance to offer his own vision early in the year when he makes a State of the Union speech to Congress and unveils a new budget, and he could propose some form of tax reform as a way to reach a major deal with Republicans. “What will really tell the tale is whether Obama can be taken as credible on deficits and debt, because that is how he gets the attention of independents and moderates again,” said Cal Jillson, a political analyst at Southern Methodist University in Texas. Those centrist voters, a critical part of Obama’s 2008 election coalition, deserted Obama and

Democrats in 2010. For Obama, winning them back could be more critical than keeping the party’s liberal wing, already angry about his tax-cut deal with Republicans, in his camp. Polls show the deal to extend Bush-era tax cuts to all Americans, despite Obama’s campaign promise to raise taxes on the wealthy, has been popular with most Americans.

Obama could be guided by the example set by Democrat Bill Clinton, who won re-election to the White House in 1996 by moving to the center and compromising with Republicans after Democrats suffered huge losses in the 1994 midterm elections. “It’s not detrimental to Obama in a political sense to be seen as compromising with Republicans,” Jillson said. “If he does it in a clever way, he can win back those independents because they continue to like him personally.”

Republicans, who spent most of the last two years opposing Obama’s initiatives, will face pressures of their own as they take on new governing responsibilities while trying to satisfy conservative

Tea Party activists pushing for spending cuts.

Obama also is expected to make at least some changes in his White House team in the new year, with senior adviser David Axelrod headed home to Chicago to begin planning for the 2012 campaign and other shifts likely. Republican presidential challengers are expected to begin launching their campaigns during the first few months of the year, meaning the pressure in both parties to stake out political turf rather than compromise will begin early. For Obama, regaining the spirit and message that infused his winning 2008 campaign could be more important than specific policy victories, said Karlyn Bowman, a public opinion analyst at the American Enterprise Institute. “The bigger challenge for him will be giving people a sense of optimism. He needs to reconnect with people in the way he did in the campaign,” she said. “Americans still want Obama to succeed. The fact he leads nearly all Republican contenders indicates his underlying strength.” — Reuters

Focus

Arnie’s next act

By Michael R Blood he Terminator always said he’d be back.

Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger is sifting through a stack of corporate, Hollywood and real estate offers as the celebrity politician nears an inevitable career crossroad: Today, he’s out of a job. His next act?

After seven years as governor in Sacramento, the former body builder and film star will by his own account hit the speech circuit, keep a hand in political activism and This Jan 5, 2007 file phopossibly write the autobiography that to shows Gov Arnold publishers have Schwarzenegger after wanted him to do for his inaugural speech in years. The Austrian- Sacramento. – AP b o r n Schwarzenegger says he even might get back into acting if the right script comes along - presumably one appropriate for a 63-yearold father of four with political baggage, advancing age lines and a tinge of gray.

“Will I still have the patience to sit on the set and to do a movie for three months or for six months, all of those things? I don’t know,” the Republican governor tweeted in October in a rare exchange about his future plans.

Spokesman Aaron McLear says Schwarzenegger is sorting out “an absolute flood of every conceivable offer” from the corporate world, real estate ventures and the entertainment industry, but the governor insists he won’t make any decisions until after he surrenders the office to his successor, Democrat Jerry Brown. “I don’t have a plan,” Schwarzenegger told hundreds of supporters and staffers at a private farewell party in Sacramento last month.

He was less guarded in October when, along with plans for speeches and a book or two, he hinted broadly at a continuing role with the environment and political reform, issues that have become part of his mixed legacy at the statehouse. In the absence of a global climatechange treaty, Schwarzenegger has urged state and regional governments around the world to address greenhouse gases. This month California regulators approved the nation’s most extensive system giving major polluters financial incentives to discharge fewer greenhouse gases, a key piece of a 2006 climate law championed by the governor.

“There are a lot of important things that I want to say,” Schwarzenegger tweeted. “My struggle for reform will continue, my belief in environmental issues and in protecting the environment will continue.” One thing is certain: The multimillionaire Schwarzenegger will start earning money, after passing up his $174,000 salary throughout his two terms. His time in office left the governor with plenty of political welts, but the biggest hit was on his own wallet.

State records show Schwarzenegger dumped at least $25 million in direct and indirect payments into two campaigns for governor and other political ventures since 2001, no small sum even for an actor who once commanded $30 million a movie. That doesn’t include travel costs. He often commuted from Los Angeles to Sacramento several times a week in a private jet at his own expense. He, wife Maria Shriver and his children never moved to Sacramento, preferring their secluded canyon estate a few kilometers from the Pacific Ocean.

His assets have been held in a private trust since he took office in 2003, but he can return to managing his portfolio, deep in real estate holdings, after stepping down.

His Hollywood future will be the subject of endless speculation. Hollywood insiders say he could take a role as producer or director, but don’t look for him to reappear as a hulking screen hero swinging an automatic weapon.

“He’s a wealthy and clever man. Wealthy and clever men have lots of possibilities,” said longtime Hollywood publicist Michael Levine, who has represented Academy Award winners such as Charlton Heston and Jon Voight. But the messy work of politics “tarnished his superhero persona”, Levine says. “He can get into anything that doesn’t involve politics or acting.”

One way to understand the governor’s future is to look at his past. Schwarzenegger rarely leaves anything behind. He might have spent years bickering over budget deficits and public pensions in Sacramento, but he maintained strong ties in the sports world and entertainment industry. He has staged sports and fitness events in Ohio since 1989, and even while in office he made cameo appearances in films, most recently in friend Sylvester Stallone’s action flick, “The Expendables”. Some of his Hollywood friends were on hand at his exit party, giving a peek into the private life to which he returns in January Stallone, Tom Arnold, Jay Leno and Danny DeVito.

Schwarzenegger long ago tamped down the showy lifestyle of his glory days in Hollywood - his gas-swilling Hummers now run on clean fuels. Wild nights? In his spare time he likes to work out and dote on his kids. He says a fun night can be watching a movie at home or going out to dinner with the family, although he gets out for an occasional motorcycle ride around Los Angeles.

The seven-time Mr Olympia appears robust despite a string of medical problems: He had a heart valve replaced in 1997, a 2001 motorcycle crash left him with several broken ribs, he had rotator cuff surgery in 2003, went to a hospital complaining of a rapid heartbeat in 2005, and broke an upper thigh bone while skiing in 2006.

He’s acknowledged using steroids in his bodybuilding days, before they became illegal without a prescription, but it’s unknown whether the drugs that can cause heart problems have had anything to do with any of his health issues. Schwarzenegger and his wife are known for charitable work, which is expected to continue, and he also founded a committee with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Pennsylvania Gov Ed Rendell to encourage road, bridge and other infrastructure development.

Another run for political office appears unlikely. The moderate Republican will leave Sacramento unpopular with state voters, and he has often noted how his wife never wanted him to enter politics. He often sounds dismayed at the dysfunction within the state Legislature. In a way, he doesn’t need to. If he chooses, Schwarzenegger and his circle of wealthy friends can finance ballot proposals that can reshape state politics.— AP

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MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

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SRINAGAR: Kashmiris row their traditional boats with a backdrop of snow-covered mountains on the Dal Lake yesterday. — AP

Desperate act leads to unrest in Tunisia TUNIS: It started with a young man who set himself on fire, acting out of desperation after police confiscated the fruits and vegetables he sold without a permit. Mohamed Bouazizi was a 26-year-old university graduate without a steady job, trying to support his family. His self-immolation - which left him in intensive care, wrapped head to toe in white bandages - shocked the North African nation and sparked protests over unemployment that have led to at least three deaths. For decades, Tunisia has promoted itself as an Arab world success story, a place where the economy is stronger than in neighboring countries, women’s rights are respected, unrest is rare and European tourists can take stress-free vacations at beach resorts.

But the recent protests have exposed a side of Tunisia that the country has long tried to hide: the

poverty of the countryside, poor job prospects for youths and seething resentment at the government of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who has ruled Tunisia with an iron fist since 1987. Groups including the International Monetary Fund have praised Tunisia for holding up relatively well during the global economic crisis, and the country had growth of 3.1 percent in 2010, according to government figures. Unemployment is the weak spot, at nearly 14 percent last year. The situation is worse outside the capital and tourist zones, in regions like Sidi Bouzid in the center-west, where Bouazizi lived.

It’s also worse for educated youths.

In a country where schooling has been emphasized for decades, 80,000 educated graduates enter the job market every year, and there isn’t enough work for them. Frederic Volpi, a North

Africa scholar, says Tunisia has been “an overachiever in terms of promoting itself” despite its problems of political and civil rights and the economic imbalance between the successful regions and the countryside.

“What is surprising is not so much that we now discover that there are problems in Tunisia,” said Volpi, a senior lecturer at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. “The surprise for people who actually analyze the region is, how come the international community, the media and observers could be fooled previously by the rhetoric of the Tunisian success story?” Ben Ali’s government tolerates little public dissent and has been caught off guard by the discontent. A US diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks called Tunisia a “police state” and says Ben Ali has lost touch with his people.

Ben Ali said the protest violence

Woman’s stoning may be quashed Continued from Page 1 in Mohammadi Ashtiani’s case, and this was causing the delay in taking a final decision over the verdict. The cleric said it was easy to issue a verdict in a case where the murderer clearly confesses to his crime. “But in this case where the defendant (Mohammadi Ashtiani) denies or makes justifications and there are ambiguities in the evidence, the procedure gets prolonged,” he said.

Mohammadi Ashtiani, whose stoning sentence has triggered an outcry in the West, was sentenced to death by two different courts in Tabriz in separate trials in 2006. Her sentence to hang for her involvement in her husband’s murder was commuted to a 10year jail term by an appeals court in 2007. But a second sentence to death by stoning on charges of adultery levelled over several relationships, notably with the man convicted of her husband’s murder, was upheld by another appeals court the same year.

In her remarks to foreign media on Saturday, she said she wants to sue “the two German” journalists, her former lawyer Mohammad Mostafaie, anti-stoning campaigner Mina Ahadi

and her husband’s convicted murderer Issa Taheri. “I have told Sajjad (her son)... to sue the ones who have disgraced me and the country... I have a complaint against them,” she said. The two German journalists from Bild am Sonntag were arrested on Oct 10 in Tabriz for interviewing Ashtiani’s son and family lawyer who were also taken into custody. Her son has been free on bail since last month.

Iran says the two Germans entered the country on tourist visas and failed to obtain the necessary accreditation for journalists before “posing as reporters” when they contacted her family. “I am willing to talk because many people exploited (the case) and said I have been tortured, which is a lie... Leave my case alone. Why do you disgrace me?” the convicted woman asked the reporters.

Berlin said yesterday that Mohammadi Ashtiani’s remarks appeared to have been made under duress. “The contents of the declarations relayed and the manner in which they were made really raise questions,” a German foreign ministry spokesman said. “Unfortunately, it is not uncommon in Iran for people to be forced to make statements,” added a German

diplomatic source. Ahadi too told AFP in Berlin that Mohammadi Ashtiani’s remarks were made under “enormous pressure” exerted by “the Islamic regime of Iran”.

The deputy editor of Bild am Sonntag said he was “surprised and amazed” at Mohammadi Ashtiani’s remarks about the newspaper ’s reporters. “We find it surprising that a woman sentenced to death in Iran could leave prison for a few hours to announce to the Western media that she wants charges against the journalists reporting on her case,” Michael Backhaus said.

Sharifi, the provincial judiciary chief, said that Mohammadi Ashtiani’s meeting with foreign media was arranged following requests from the media themselves. Prominent Germans, including business leaders, ministers and top sports stars, yesterday urged Iran to free the two journalists. “The pair must be released and must return to Germany as soon as possible,” said Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle. “A state like Iran, which always calls for understanding, must not flout it in other areas,” added Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. — AFP

PM set to survive vote Continued from Page 1 Cabinet Affairs Roudhan AlRoudhan, who will not be able to vote because he is a minister. To pass, the motion requires 25 votes regardless of how many MPs vote with the prime minister. The number of abstentions is not important also if the opposition gets the magical number of 25.

But the number of MPs who support the motion remained unchanged on 21 with MPs Khaled Al-Sultan and Hassan Jowhar still undecided. They can go either way or simply abstain.

Even if the two support the motion, it will still not pass as it requires at a minimum of 25 votes. Shiite MP Hussein Al-Qallaf, a staunch supporter of the prime minister, yesterday appealed to Jowhar, also a Shiite, to

announce his total backing for the prime minister or at least abstain.

There was no immediate response from Jowhar.

Five MPs yesterday issued a statement declaring their support for the prime minister. MPs Adnan Abdulsamad, Maasouma Al-Mubarak, Hussein Al-Huraiti, Ali Al-Rashed and Naji Al-Abdulhadi issued a joint statement saying they will vote in favour of the prime minister. The five MPs said that the non-cooperation motion is unjustified and that they will support the prime minister in the interest of the country and its security and stability. A day earlier, MP Khaled Al-Adwah quashed tribal pressure and said in a statement that he has decided to support the prime minister because “the grilling has deviated from its right

course”. He said that he made his decision after consultations with some voters in his constituency and after reviewing religious opinion on the conflict. Also, on Friday, Adwah’s partner in the fifth constituency and a member of his Ajman tribe MP Mohammad Al-Huwailah issued a statement rejecting the non-cooperation motion against the prime minister.

The new announcements came despite a hectic campaign by the opposition to garner popular support in a bid to apply pressure on a few more MPs to reach the magical number of 25. The opposition plans a public rally every day and on Tuesday, the eve of the vote, activists are organizing a public rally at Safat Square in the heart of Kuwait City.

was manipulated by foreign media and hurt the country’s image. He replaced the communications minister in a government reshuffle, but retained the interior minister despite opposition calls to oust him. He also ordered the prime minister to mobilize authorities nationwide for a 6.5 billion dinar ($4.5 billion) plan to create jobs for Tunisians with university diplomas - a substantial sum for a country of only 10 million people. But the opposition says the government’s response has been inadequate and that the protests are fueled not only by unemployment but by the lack of human rights.

The protests “show a profound crisis and illustrate a pressing need for change that would bring a return of confidence to citizens so they can lead lives that are free and dignified in their homeland,” said Nejib Chebbi, founder

of the Progressive Democratic Party The protests started in Sidi Bouzid soon after Bouazizi’s Dec 17 suicide attempt. Police confiscated his goods, and an officer slapped him in front of passers-by, his supporters say. He tried to lodge a complaint, but authorities refused to accept it. Desperate, he doused himself with gasoline and set himself on fire in public.

The self-immolation touched off demonstrations in neighboring towns, and later, in other regions. Police opened fire at one protest, killing an 18-year-old. Another 44-year-old who was wounded by a bullet at the same protest died of his injuries Friday in the hospital, the man’s family said. At another protest, a 24-year-old jobless protester was electrocuted after announcing he wanted to end his life and mounting a high-voltage electricity pole.

Demonstrators have set police cars ablaze and threw firebombs at official buildings. Lawyers marched in several cities Friday in solidarity with demonstrators. Opposition politicians say dozens have been arrested.

The unrest has gone with little mention in Tunisia’s media, which is heavily controlled by the state. But there was one surprising and potentially encouraging sign. Private station Nessma T V broadcast a program Thursday about the protest movement - a show without precedent in Tunisian history for its treatment of a politically sensitive subject. In it, Sidi Bouzid’s residents spoke of their suffering and complained of corruption, nepotism and impunity of those in power.

Mounir Souissi, local reporter for the German news agency DPA, called the program “a true turning point - if it lasts.” — AP

Iran shoots down two ‘Western spy’ drones Continued from Page 1 navy’s Fifth Fleet is based in Bahrain, just across the Gulf from Iran.

Iranian commanders have repeatedly threatened to block navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz,

which links the Gulf to the Indian Ocean, if it comes under attack. Sixty percent of the world’s oil supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The US military and Central Intelligence Agency regularly use drones to launch missile strikes in

Afghanistan and in Pakistan’s lawless tribal belt, but do not generally confirm attacks. The drone strikes are deeply unpopular among the Pakistani public but the United States says the strikes have killed a number of high-value targets. — Agencies

Visitors snap up 100tn Zimbabwe...

Continued from Page 1 killing off the record inflation that caused all those zeros. “I had to have one,” said Janice Waas on a visit to the northwestern resort town of Victoria Falls. “The numbers are mind bending.”

She got her so-called “Zimdollar” in pristine condition, from a street vendor who usually sells African carvings. “It’s perfect if you like puzzles, calculus and things like Rubik’s Cube,” she said.

Janice’s husband Thomas Waas, a physicist and engineer from Germany, said if the population of the world is 7 billion people, every single person could be a given thousands of old Zimbabwe dollars from this single 100 trillion note. Janice Waas said Westerners were buying the bills for their curiosity value. An Australian wanted one to display in his local bar back home. Street vendors said visitors had been so intrigued by the Zimbabwe bills that they were now running out of them, two years after a power sharing deal between longtime ruler President Robert Mugabe and the former opposi-

tion leader, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, made the old currency redundant.

Visitors from countries familiar with hyperinflation, such as the Congo and other impoverished states in the region and in South America, showed less interest in the highly marked bills.

Instead, most bought curios and artifacts, said vendor Lloyd Phiri, speaking on his mobile phone in Victoria Falls. At the height of Zimbabwe’s economic meltdown in 2008 when Zimbabwe’s world record inflation was running into the billions in percent annually and prices were climbing each hour, the 100 trillion bill scarcely bought a cart of groceries.

Teachers reported the printing of banknotes from millions to billions and then trillions skewed their pupils’ sense of numeracy, making them fail to grasp the realities of numbers. On one geography field trip, students scoffed at being told granite rocks swept over Zimbabwe by ancient glaciers were 700 million years old. That time frame seemed insignificant. Back then in 2008,

700 million Zimbabwe dollars bought a loaf of bread. Scientists and physicists estimate the number of atoms in the universe at 10 to the power of 80 - 10 followed by 80 zeros.

During the worst of Zimbabwe’s economic meltdown and hyperinflation, Zimbabwe’s highest money denominations were logged at 10 to the power of 25 - 10 followed by 25 zeros - or the equivalent of nearly one third of the number of atoms estimated in the universe. The central bank then sliced off several zeros, but large transactions were still calculated in quadrillions (15 zeros) and quintillions (18 zeros) until the demise of the local currency. If you are delayed at an airport during your Zimbabwe trip, play the numbers game, advises Waas, the physicist. He posed this challenge. “If the pyramids in Egypt are 5,000 years old, there are 155 billion seconds in 5,000 years and 1,000 billion make a trillion. So how many years are there in 100 trillion seconds?” he said.

Waas said he was still waiting for the correct answer from friends and fellow visitors in Zimbabwe. —AP

Israel preparing for ...

Continued from Page 1 stressed that the Jewish state would have only between 10 and 12 minutes warning in case of an attack.

However, it was Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon that posed the most acute threat, he cautioned.

According to the quoted cable, Hezbollah is thought to have more than 40,000 rockets, many of which are believed capable of reaching deep into Israel. US officials meanwhile reportedly estimate the militant group

has acquired an arsenal of around 50,000 rockets. A 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel killed 1,200 Lebanese, many of them civilians, and 160 Israelis, most of them soldiers.

And in his comments made nearly a year after Israel on Dec 27, 2008 launched the deadly Gaza war, Ashkenazi said “Israel is on a collision course also with Hamas, which rules Gaza”. “Hamas will have the possibility to bombard Tel Aviv, with Israel’s highest population concentration,” he was quoted as saying. The Gaza war - a

response to hundreds of rockets fired into the Jewish State - killed some 1,400 mainly civilian Palestinians and 13 Israelis, 10 of them soldiers. It ended on Jan 18, 2009. Israel had been harshly criticised for putting civilians at risk during fighting in the densely populated Gaza Strip. However, in the cable leaked yesterday Ashkenazi is quoted saying Israel next time will not accept “any restrictions on warfare in populated areas”, and insisted the army had never intentionally attacked civilian targets. — AFP

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sports NHL results/standings NHL results and standings on Saturday.

Buffalo 7, Boston 6 (SO); Toronto 5, Ottawa 1; Carolina 6, New Jersey 3; Tampa Bay 2, NY Rangers 1 (OT); Washington 3, Pittsburgh 1; San Jose 1, Los Angeles 0; Calgar y 2, Edmonton 1. (SO denotes shootout win) (OT denotes overtime win) Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L OTL GF GA PTS Pittsburgh 25 12 3 127 94 53 Philadelphia 23 10 5 128 102 51 NY Rangers 22 14 3 119 100 47 NY Islanders 11 19 6 84 118 28 New Jersey 10 26 2 68 122 22

Boston Montreal Ottawa Buffalo Toronto

Northeast Division 20 11 6 108 21 16 2 97 16 19 5 90 16 18 4 105 14 19 4 89

84 92 121 114 111

46 44 37 36 32

Tampa Bay Washington Atlanta Carolina Florida

Southeast Division 23 11 5 121 23 12 5 120 20 15 6 127 18 15 4 108 16 17 2 95

122 106 122 111 92

51 51 46 40 34

Western Conference Central Division Detroit 24 9 5 131 St Louis 20 12 5 99 Columbus 20 15 3 100 Chicago 20 16 3 123 Nashville 18 13 6 91

107 100 110 113 92

53 45 43 43 42

Northwest Division 23 8 5 125 20 13 5 131 17 15 5 92 18 18 3 105 12 18 7 95

91 123 107 110 126

51 45 39 39 31

Pacific Division 22 13 4 110 21 13 5 115 22 15 1 113 20 17 4 107 17 13 7 101

109 108 92 118 107

48 47 45 44 41

Vancouver Colorado Minnesota Calgary Edmonton

Dallas San Jose Los Angeles Anaheim Phoenix

PITTSBURGH: Eric Fehr No. 16 of the Washington Capitals battles for the puck against Sidney Crosby No. 87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2011 NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic.—AFP

Capital win rainy Winter Classic PITTSBURGH: Eric Fehr upstaged stars Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin by scoring twice as the Washington Capitals waded through rain drops to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1 in a wet NHL Winter Classic on Saturday. It was the NHL’s first nighttime Winter Classic, and the first of the annual outdoor contests played in occasional rain, but the Capitals handled the elements — and a scoreless Crosby — just fine. Fehr gave Washington its first lead at 2-1 in the second period after Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury abandoned the net, then sealed it with a breakaway goal in the third to give Washington its fifth win in six games.

Evgeni Malkin scored Pittsburgh’s sole goal.

Lightning 2, Rangers 1 In Tampa, Nate Thompson scored 19 sec-

onds into overtime to help Tampa Bay beat New York. Thompson scored from in-close off a pass from the left wing boards by Dana Tyrell. The Rangers forced extra time when Marian Gaborik tied it with 46 seconds left in regulation.

Sharks 1, Kings 0 In Los Angeles, Antti Niemi posted his ninth NHL shutout with 29 saves to help San Jose beat Los Angeles. Devin Setoguchi scored the lone goal on his 24th birthday.

The Sharks had only 10 shots before Setoguchi scored his seventh goal at 18:54 of the second period. He beat Quick to the stick side with a screened wrist shot after patiently waiting for three players to converge in front of him.

Sabres 7, Bruins 6 In Buffalo, Drew Stafford scored a hat trick as Buffalo edged Boston in a shootout.

Jason Pominville had two goals and two assists and Thomas Vanek had a goal and an assist as the Sabres came back from a 4-2 deficit in a game that featured three lead changes. Stafford capped his fourth career hat trick by forcing overtime with 28 seconds left.

Zdeno Chara and Tyler Seguin had a goal and assist each for the Bruinse. Steven Kampfer, Dennis Seidenberg, Brad Marchand and Andrew Fereence also scored for Boston. After Tyler Ennis gave the Sabres a 3-2 lead in the shootout, Chara shot wide on the Bruins’ final chance.

Seahawks look to be league’s lucky losers MIAMI: A team with a losing record could find itself in the National Football League’s playoffs if the Seattle Seahawks (6-9) can beat the St. Louis Rams (7-8) in the final round of regular season games late yesterday.

Seven teams head into week 17 with hopes still alive and, while there is plenty to be decided, it is the showdown for the NFC West divisional title which is the most fascinating.

The clash in Seattle is a winner-take-all affair but, with the Seahawks currently ranked 20th in the league and the Rams 18th, there is not much case for either team being in the postseason action.

Seattle head coach Pete Carroll admits the Seahawks are lucky to still be in the frame but feels there is nothing wrong with his players entering the knockout phase despite teams with better records missing out.

“It is what it is. You win the division, you’ve done what you needed to do to position yourself as the system allows,” he said.

“I know there are teams that have 10, maybe 11, wins that aren’t in as good a situation as we are right now, but that is their lot. We’re fortunate to be where we are and we’ll see what we can do with it,” added Carroll.

Sam Bradford has impressed at quarterback for the Rams this year with a rookie record of 335 completions and he comes up against opponents who have lost their last three games and have an injury doubt over their quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

Should Hasselbeck not recover from his hip injury then reserve quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, who took all the reps in practice on Thursday, will deputise.

Another appetising match-up late yesterday features the Chicago Bears, who have already secured a berth in the playoffs, against NFC North rivals the Green Bay Packers.

There is no love lost between the two teams and there is plenty at stake-the Packers need to win to be sure of postseason football while the Bears want a win to increase their chances of homefield advantage.

The New York Giants will be hoping for the Bears to do them a favour. In order for Tom Coughlin’s team to make it through, they have to win at Washington and hope that Green Bay lose.

The Giants have suffered a late season slump with bad losses to Philadelphia and Green Bay but they have won their last five meetings with the Redskins.

The Indianapolis Colts, beaten in the Super Bowl by the New Orleans Saints last season, cannot afford to slip up on the final day-they must win at home to Tennessee or risk letting the Jacksonville Jaguars pip them to the AFC South.

The Jaguars, though, are hampered at Houston by the absence of their injured quarterback David Garrard while key running back Maurice Jones-Drew is doubtful with a knee problem.—Reuters

Flames 2, Oilers 1 In Edmonton, Calgary extended its winning streak to a season-best four games with a victory over Edmonton. Mark Giordano’s second-period goal stood up as the winner, and Tim Jackman also scored for the Flames, who lost three straight before their spurt.

Ryan Jones had the only goal for the Oilers, who have lost six in a row.

Maple Leafs 5, Senators 1 In Ottawa, Tyler Bozak scored two goals as Toronto routed Ottawa. Rookie James Reimer made 32 saves in his first NHL start, Darryl Boyce scored his first NHL goal and Clarke MacArthur and Luke Schenn also tallied for Toronto, which led 5-0 just over 5 minutes into the second. Sergei Gonchar scored a

power-play goal later in the second for Ottawa, which lost its third in a row.

Hurricanes 6, Devils 3 In Raleigh, Nor th Carolina, Sergei Samsonov and rookie Jeff Skinner scored two goals apiece, and Carolina beat struggling New Jersey for its third straight win. Tuomo Ruutu added a goal and three assists, and rookie Zac Dalpe scored his first NHL goal for the Hurricanes. Carolina chased goalie Martin Brodeur with three goals in the first 8 minutes, stretched the lead to 4-0 and, matched a season high with three power-play goals. Patrik Elias had a goal and an assist, and Rod Pelley and Travis Zajac and scored for the Devils, who have an NHL-worst 22 points, have lost 10 straight on the road.—AP

Vancouver venues still in use, some question cost

Matt Hasselbeck in action in this file photo

VANCOUVER: On a chilly fall evening, a jogger runs laps on the track where Canadian speedskater Christine Nesbitt claimed Olympic gold a few months earlier.

A short distance away, the arena where curler Kevin Martin was crowned Olympic champion is being converted into a skating rink and the walls are going up on a new curling club.

At Rogers Arena, the Canucks are in the midst of their NHL season, playing on the same ice where Sidney Crosby sent a nation into delirium with his overtime goal to win Olympic hockey gold. In the 10 months since the flame was extinguished at the Vancouver Olympics, the venues are still being used. While a few will host elite competitions in the future, others have been turned into community facilities and might never see another international event.

“In almost every case it’s working exactly as we hoped for,” said John Furlong, the man who headed the Vancouver organizing committee, known as VANOC. “As an organizing committee we took the sustainability for Olympic venues to a completely different place than we’ve seen in the past,” he said.

“In Turin (host of the 2006 Winter Games), some of those venues simply were dismantled immediately. In some cases, the venue is no longer used for sport. In our case, they are all used for sport.”

Vancouver organizers spent nearly $580 million building new venues or upgrading existing facilities for the 2010 Olympics. Furlong believes taxpayers are receiving a fair return on their investment with facilities that offer public recreation and will help develop future elite athletes.

“We have given the public who paid for these venues good and fair access to them so they can enjoy them as well,” he said.

Others don’t share Furlong’s enthusiasm. Chris Shaw, a neuroscientist at the University of British Columbia, was a vocal opponent of the games. He questions how much the public will really use the venues. “Can they be a

thing the people will use? Yes,” Shaw said. “Are they the thing people would have chosen, based on priorities?

Probably not.

“Are they things most of us are going to use? Probably not.” Among the venues built specifically for the games, the Whistler Sliding Centre ($105 million), Whistler Olympic Park ($120 million), and the Richmond Olympic Oval (VANOC contributed $63 million toward the building’s $178 million cost) carried the biggest price tags. A $110-million fund was created to help finance operation of these venues after the games.

The rugged sliding centre built on Blackcomb Mountain was home to bobsled, luge and skeleton. The Olympic Park, located about 12 miles southwest of Whistler in the Callaghan Valley, hosted cross-country skiing, ski jumping and biathlon.

The Richmond Oval, with its eyecatching wooden ceiling and breathtaking view of the North Shore Mountains, has been transformed from the Olympic long-track speedskating rink to a multisport recreation center.

More than 1,500 people have bought memberships and around 3,000 people visit the oval each month. Canada’s national basketball teams played exhibition games in the building this fall.

It has hosted the world wheelchair rugby championships and is a center of excellence for Hockey Canada, Volleyball Canada and the CanadianChinese table tennis foundation. The three ice sheets at UBC’s Thunderbird Arena, which hosted women’s hockey, are now busy with university games and community leagues.

For those who want to play outside, the 56 miles of trails at Whistler Olympic Park make it one of the largest cross-country ski facilities in North America. It attracts local skiers and has begun a marketing campaign in Europe. Adrenaline junkies are able to get their fix at the Whistler Sliding Centre, where $130 buys two rides down a shortened skeleton course and $149 will send you rumbling down the bobsled track. —AP

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Djokovic and Ivanovic give Serbia convincing victory

BUENOS AIRES: Franceís driver Guerlain Chicherit steers his BMW with co-driver Michel Perin before the symbolic start of the Dakar 2011 Rally in downtown Buenos Aires.—AFP

Dakar Rally kicks off BUENOS AIRES: The Dakar Rally roared out of Buenos Aires with a ceremonial parade of hundreds of vehicles from its famed Obelisk on Saturday. The 16-day trek will take drivers 9,500 kilometers across northern Argentina, through the Andes, the Atacama Desert of Chile and back to the Argentine capital.

The first leg is a 370-kilometer cruise northwest to Victoria, where competitors will prepare for late yesterday ’s first full race day.

Defending champions Carlos Sainz in the cars category and Cyril Despres on a motorcycle return to defend their titles.

Officials listed a record 430 official starters, up from the 362 who were enrolled last year. The actual number starting the race is always lower, but is also expected to be a record.

The largest increase is in the bike category, where 183 were registered to start _ up from 151 a year ago.

This year’s route goes northwest from Buenos Aires, with the racers crossing into Chile on Wednesday.

Participants then head north through the Atacama Desert and next Friday are expected to reach Arica in the far north of Chile, on the border with Peru. The race then turns south and crosses back into Argentina on Jan. 12. It ends on Jan. 16 in Buenos Aires.

The rally was always in Europe and Africa until the 2008 race was canceled because of terrorist fears.

Then it was moved for security reasons to South America.

Sainz, in a Volkswagen, may get his stiffest challenge from teammate Nasser Al Attiyah.

Stephane Peterhansel, who led much of the race a year ago in a rival BMW, was also a favorite in cars.

“I’d never underestimate the toughest race in the world,” said Sainz, a twotime world rally champion.

“But I’m motivated to win the thing.” Frenchman Despres expects his toughest challenge from Marc Coma of Spain, the 2009 champion, and Francisco Lopez of Chile. He was third a year ago and should face pressure to win at home.

“Being able to finish third in the last Dakar was a great reward but it does not mean the pressure is on for this year’s edition,” Lopez said. “ This being said, those around me expect a lot from me. That is true.” Argentina tourism minister Enrique Meyer said he hoped to soon announce the event would return in 2012.

He said Argentina was “80 percent” sure of getting the next race. The rally is run in the middle of the South American summer, a highlight for school children on vacation. Temperatures on Saturday were in the mid-80s F (30 C) with thousands lining the sprawling Avenida 9 de Julio to watch the start.

“We can reach out to the world and show them our culture, population, traditions and landscapes,” Meyer said. “The Dakar offers us maximum exposure which no other campaign could give us.” He estimated the race generated about $170 million during the month before, and the two weeks of the event.—AP

BUENOS AIRES: French biker Cyril Esquirol rides his Honda on the podium during the symbolic start of the 2011 Dakar Rally. —AFP

Cilic faces Berdych hurdle CHENNAI: World number six Tomas Berdych stands in the way as Croatia’s Marin Cilic attempts to start the new year in style by winning a third successive title at the ATP Chennai Open.

The lanky 14th-ranked player goes into the 450,000-dollar season-opener from today hoping the winning streak of 2009 and 2010 continues for another year in the southern Indian coastal city.

The confidence gained by winning in Chennai last year helped the bigserving Cilic reach his first Grand Slam semi-final at the Australian Open and break into the top 10 in February.

But the 22-year-old failed to maintain the same momentum after that, losing in the first round at Wimbledon before suffering a second round exit at the US Open.

“It is not easy to play well through the season, but I am proud of the great start I had,” said Cilic, who takes on his US Open conqueror Kei Nishikori of Japan in the first round.

“I can’t wait to get back on the court after the off-season, and Chennai is a nice place to start. I have very good memories of the tournament.”

Ci l i c i s s e e d e d s econd behind Chennai first-timer Berdych, who took giant strides on the circuit last year when he finished in the top 10 for the first time.

The 25-year-old Czech reached the Fre n c h O p e n s e m i - f i nal and then stunned R oger Federer and Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon on the way to his maiden appearance in a Grand Slam final.

Other contenders for the Chennai title include world number 21 Stanislas

Wawrinka of Switzerland, the French duo of Richard Gasquet and Jeremy Chardy, and Serbian Janko Tipsarevic.

Wawrinka, who lost to Cilic in last year’s final, was granted a wildcard by the organisers after changing his mind about not playing in the first week of the year.

B erdych faces Freder ico Gil of Por tugal in the first round, while Wawr ink a is drawn to play I ndia’s Rohan Bopanna.

Indian fans will welcome back the famed doubles pair of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, who are ending an eight-year separation on the circuit to play in Chennai and at the Australian Open.

The duo won three Grand Slam titles together-the French Open in 1999 and 2001 and Wimbledon in 1999. Paes has bagged 12 career Grand Slam doubles titles and Bhupathi 11.

They went their separate ways in 2002 for yet unspecified reasons, although they continue to team up for India in the Davis Cup and multi-sports events such as the Olympics.

Paes, 37, and Bhupathi, 36, hold the Davis Cup record for the longest winning streak of 23 doubles matches.

I ndia’s number one S omdev Devvarman will play at home for the first time after winning gold medals in singles and doubles at the Asian G ames and the singles title at the Commonwealth Games.

“I t has been a decent year,” the 108th-ranked Devvarman said. “But there are a lot of things in my game for me to improve and I’m working on it with my coaches. “Hopefully 2011 will be an even better season.—AFP

PERTH: Novak Djokovic kickstarted his 2011 campaign with a well-earned victory yesterday as top seeds Serbia took an unbeatable 2-0 lead over Kazakhstan in their opening match at the Hopman Cup mixed team event.

The world number three dropped the first set to the hard-hitting Andrey Golubev but slowly wore down the 23-year-old to clinch a 4-6 63 6-1 victory.

Former world number one Ana Ivanovic had earlier put Serbia ahead with a 7-6 6-1 win over Yaroslava Shvedova. Djokovic looked like he was suffering from jetlag in the early stages and Golubev, who began 2010 down at world number 133, took advantage.

But Djokovic, who last month helped his country win the Davis Cup for the first time, broke in the opening game of the second set and with his confidence restored he dropped just four more games.

Ivanovic, who climbed back up to 17th in the rankings after free-falling in the first half of 2010, overcame some early-season nerves to see off Shvedova.

World number 36 Shvedova was hitting either winners or making mistakes but she still had her chances to take the first set, only for Ivanovic to pinch the tiebreak 8-6 and move ahead.

The former French Open champion then lifted her game in the second set to cruise through to a moraleboosting victory.

“I think we were both really nervous and it was so hard to hold our serves at first,” Ivanovic said. “I started to serve a little bit better in the tiebreak and then in the second set.”

Djokovic and Ivanovic were due to take on Golubev and Shvedova in the mixed doubles to decide the final result.

Meanwhile, world number four Andy Murray admits he still needs to improve his ser ve if he is to break his grand slam duck at the Australian Open later this month.

The Scot, who was beaten in the final at Melbourne Park

by Roger Federer last year, begins his 2011 season on Monday at the Hopman Cup, where he and Laura Robson will represent Britain in the mixed team event for the second successive year.

Looking fit and strong after a month of training in Miami, Murray said the form of world number one Rafa Nadal and 16-times grand slam champion Federer meant it would be even tougher to win one of the sport’s four biggest events.

“Last year ’s Australian Open was one of the best events I’ve played in my life,” Murray said at a press conference on Sunday.

“I played some of my best tennis so I’ll have to play even better if I want to win because Rafa and Roger are playing so well just now.”

Murray, whose other grand slam final appearance came at the U.S. Open in 2008, said he had been focusing on particular areas of his game in the short off-season.

“I’ve worked a lot on my serve and I’ll keep working on it the next couple of weeks,” Murray said. “I think from the baseline I’ve matched up well with Roger and Rafa in the past, but I’ll need to serve well and return well against them if I want to beat them.”

Murray will take on Potito Starace of Italy in his Hopman Cup opener on Monday and will also play France’s Nicolas Mahut and American John Isner in his other round-robin matches.

The Scot said the way he played in his last match of the year, the semi-final of the ATP World Tour Finals against Nadal in London at the end of November, had given him plenty of confidence with which to start 2011.

“It was a great match, one of the best matches I’d played in during the year, said Murray, who lost out in a final set tiebreak. “I think

both of us played a really high standard and it was a good way in many ways to finish the year.

“It would have been great to have won the match but at the same time having lost I realised that I played a great match but I still need to get better if I want to beat Rafa and Roger in the slams.”—Reuters

PERTH: Ana Ivanovic of Serbia returns to Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan during their singles match on day two of the Hopman Cup. Ivanovic won the match 7-6 (8-6), 6-1.—AFP

Federer, Nadal set to resume rivalry in Doha DOHA: Roger Federer will be looking to bounce back from a string of Grand Slam defeats in 2010 while his biggest rival, topranked Rafael Nadal, is hoping to resume the dominant form that saw him capture the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open titles.

Spectators can expect to see much of the pair in 2011, starting with the seasonopening Qatar Open in Doha which begins today.

A taste of their long-running rivalry was also on display in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, when Nadal edged Federer 7-6, 7-6 to defend his title at the invitational World Tennis Championships.

Before leaving for Doha, the No. 2ranked Federer said he saw Abu Dhabi and Doha as a chance to try out new shots, adding that he was looking forward to resuming his duel with Nadal that will get its first big test at the Australian Open where the 29-year-old Swiss is the defending champion.

“It’s a special Australian Open with me being the defending champion,” Federer said. “Obviously the focus is going to be on the two of us. Tennis is really going to be exciting down in Australia.”

Nadal said he doesn’t feel any pressure ahead of this year’s Australian Open, even though a tournament victory there would make him the first man to win four major titles in a row since Rod Laver pulled off a calendar Grand Slam by claiming all four in 1969.

“It’s not extra pressure, for me it’s extra motivation,” Nadal said, who lost in the Doha final last year to Russian Nikolay Davydenko.

“The pressure is everyday to play well and keep winning matches and I don’t think (about) winning (the) Australian Open immediately,” Nadal said. “You never know what’s going to happen since it’s going to be a very difficult tournament.”

For Nadal, staying healthy will be his top priority. He still grimaces at the memories of last year’s Australian Open — where he retired from his quarterfinal with a knee injury, the lone blemish on his 25-1 Grand Slam record in 2010.

“Health. That’s the most important thing. For myself and everybody that’s the most important thing,” Nadal said after winning in Abu Dhabi. “Without that, the rest of the things are just impossible.”

In Doha, Federer and Nadal are the top seeds, ahead of Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Fourth-seeded Davydenko is hoping to find his form after a year in which he has dropped from sixth to 22nd in the rankings.

“It’s good to be back here in Doha as the defending champion, although I’m no longer the favorite here,” Davydenko said.

“I’m keen to make my presence felt ... I’m now ranked 22nd and have to make amends.” In their first round matches, Federer plays a qualifier while Nadal plays the 103rd-ranked K arol Beck of Slovakia.—AP

Sharapova in bid to regain former glory AUCKLAND: Three -time grand slam winner Maria Sharapova takes another step in her bid to regain her former glory when she starts as top seed in the Auckland Classic women’s tennis tournament here today.

It has been a long journey back for the Russian former world number one who slumped as low as 126 during the past two years because of a shoulder injury.

The Auckland tournament, a forerunner to the first slam of the year in Australia, has drawn one of its strongest fields.

In addition to Sharapova, the line up also includes another women’s former number one Dinara Safina and a former number two and two-time grand slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova as well as Yanina Wickmayer, a US Open semi-finalist.

But most interest is on Sharapova who sees regaining her once lethal serve as the key to improving on her current ranking of 18th in the world and has been concentrating on technique as her shoulder improved.

“I’ve had to change it a few times because of the shoulder and obviously that’s not the best case scenario when you’re in the middle of your career and you’ve had a great serve before.”

The Russian star is confident she will get back to her best but it may take some time.

“I have come back from an awful lot, something that could have taken me away from the game. I am back on the court, going

Maria Sharapova in action in this file photo well and I have to build on it little by little.”

Sharapova opens in Auckland against 22-yearold Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro.

Defending Auckland champion Wickmayer is drawn to play Safina in the first round while Kuznetsova plays unseeded New Zealander Sacha Jones.

Wickmayer, ranked 23 in the world, said Safina, who has slipped to 63rd in the rankings, holds no fears for her. “Safina is a great cham-

pion and had a couple of great years. I think it’s the toughest (match) in the draw but I’m really looking forward to it. I think it will be a really good and exciting match,” she said.

The Belgian is also not concerned that all the pretournament attention has been on the three Russian stars Sharapova, Safina and Kuznetsova. “I have no problems with that. I’m just here to play my matches, not to be in front of the others.”—AFP

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Ashes decided but pride on the line in Sydney SYDNEY: The fate of the Ashes was decided last week in Melbourne but with the series and a huge amount of pride still on the line, neither Australia or England are calling this week’s fifth Test in Sydney a dead rubber.

For England, with the Ashes already checked in for the journey home for the first time in 24 years, it is a chance to show their ruthlessness as they continue on a path they hope will take them to the very top of the world game.

For an Australian team under the temporary captaincy of Michael Clarke, it is an opportunity to put behind them the annus horribilis of 2010 and make a new start in a new year with a morale-boosting victory to level the series at 2-2.

The memory of the humbling defeat in

Perth sandwiched between the innings triumphs in Adelaide and Melbourne was fresh enough for England captain Andrew Strauss to reissue his anti-complacency edict on Sunday, and warn against a backlash.

“Sometimes it can be a bit of a release knowing that you’ve got nothing to lose anymore,” he said. “So I think we’re quite conscious of Australia coming back at us pretty hard this week and if there are any weaknesses to be exposed, it’s important we do that.”

For Clarke, standing in for the injured Ricky Ponting on his home ground, the memory of Perth offers hope to a team including new caps Usman Khawaja and Michael Beer.

“England are high on confidence but as we’ve seen from Perth, when we’re at our best, we can beat them,” the confident 29-

year-old said. “There’s no doubt about it, if we are at our best, we will win this test match.”

England were the last visitors to win a test at the Sydney Cricket Ground at the end of the 2002-03 Ashes tour-they lost the series 41 — and Australia have since won nine of the 10 matches at the ground.

Ponting played in all nine and his absence from the Australian team for the first time since 2004 because of a fractured finger gives Khawaja a chance to become the first Muslim to wear the baggy green cap.

The debut of the freescoring Pakistanborn lefthander gives a fresh look to an Australian team which Clarke hopes can draw a line under the humiliation of failing to regain the Ashes.

“We’ve spoken a lot about what has gone

Beer is a secret spinning weapon. So secret, most Australians had never heard of him before he was selected in the squad for the Perth test.

The left-armer gets his chance after two tests as 12th man but will have no local knowledge in his armoury as he had never been inside the SCG before Saturday’s training session.

As usual, England will announce their team just before the start of Monday’s first day (2330 GMT Sunday) with Tim Bresnan hoping to retain his place among the seamers ahead of Steve Finn.

“We always take a good look at the pitch and decide what the best balance of the side is for that particular wicket,” a businesslike Strauss said. — Reuters

on before and I keep saying ‘last’ year, because it is done and we need to be focused on right now and this test match,” he said.

“The least we can do for the public is to get out there for five days and show a really good, fighting Australian cricket team.”

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is the most spin-friendly of the five Australian Ashes venues, which could mean another chance for England’s off-spinner Graeme Swann to shine.

“I don’t think it’s going to rag all over the place, but definitely over the last couple of days he’s going to come into it more,” said Strauss. “I think his spell in Melbourne in the second innings was fantastic and if he bowls anything like that he’s going to be a handful.”

South Africa’s Amla and Kallis blunt Indian attack

SALT LAKE CITY: Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson (25) is fouled while shooting against a double team effort by Memphis Grizzlies center Hasheem Thabeet (34) and teammate Darrell Arthur (00) during the second half of their NBA basketball game. — AP

Brilliant Spurs pound Thunder SAN ANTONIO: The NBAleading San Antonio Spurs inflicted Oklahoma City’s heaviest loss of the season, winning 101-74 on Saturday to notch a fourth straight win.

Coming off wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas, the Spurs again beat one of the West’s top teams to improve to 29-4 — one the 10 best starts in NBA history. Tim Duncan scored 21 points and George Hill had 16 for San Antonio.

Kevin Durant had 16 points for the Thunder, who started the game 4 for 24 and shot a season-low 32.9 percent.

Heat 114, Warriors 107 In Miami, the hosts overcame a 20-point deficit to beat Golden State on Saturday for their 17th victory in 18 games.

LeBron James had 25 points and 10 assists and Dwyane Wade also scored 25 points to help Miami pull into a virtual tie with Boston atop the Eastern Conference. The Celtics lead by .031 percentage points, but the teams are tied in the games-back column.

Former Heat for ward Dorell Wright scored 30 points for Golden State in his first trip back to Miami as an opponent. Golden State had 36 points in each of the first two quarters, then only 35 in the entire second half.

Bucks 99, Mavericks 87 In Milwaukee, Earl Boykins returned from suspension to score a seasonhigh 26 points and help Milwaukee hand injur ydepleted Dallas its third straight loss.

Missing Dirk Nowitzki for the third consecutive game because of a sprained knee and Shawn Marion with a thigh injury, the Mavericks suffered another blow when Caron Butler injured a knee in the first quarter.

Jose Barea scored a career-high 29 points for Dallas. John Salmons scored 21 points for Milwaukee, and Ersan Ilyasova had 16 points and

a season-high 17 rebounds.

Jazz 98, Grizzlies 92 In Salt Lake City, Paul Millsap scored 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting to help undermanned Utah beat Memphis. Deron Williams had 10 points in the fourth quarter as the Jazz made it eight successive home wins over the Grizzlies. Zach

Randolph led Memphis with 27 points and 16 rebounds.

Bulls 100, Cavaliers 91 In Chicago, Chicago made it 13 wins from 15 games by defeating Cleveland. The Bulls trailed by 10 against a team that was missing three of its best players.

NBA results/standings NBA results and standings on Saturday.

Chicago 100, Cleveland 91; New Orleans 92, Washington 81; Miami 114, Golden 107; Minnesota 103, New Jersey 88; San Antonio 101, Oklahoma City 74; Denver 104, Sacramento 86; Milwaukee 99, Dallas 87; Utah 98, Memphis 92.

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L 24 7 18 14 13 20 11 21 9 25

PCT .774 .563 .394 .344 .265

GB 6.5 12 13.5 16.5

Chicago Indiana Milwaukee Detroit Cleveland

Central Division 22 10 14 17 13 18 11 22 8 25

.688 .452 .419 .333 .242

7.5 8.5 11.5 14.5

Miami Orlando Atlanta Charlotte Washington

Southeast Division 26 9 21 12 21 14 11 20 8 24

.743 .636 .600 .355 .250

4 5 13 16.5

Western Conference Northwest Division Utah 23 11 Oklahoma City 23 12 Denver 19 13 Portland 17 16 Minnesota 9 25

.676 .657 .594 .515 .265

0.5 3 5.5 14

Boston NY Knicks Philadelphia Toronto New Jersey

LA Lakers Phoenix Golden State LA Clippers Sacramento

Pacific Division 23 10 14 17 13 20 10 23 6 24

.697 .452 .394 .303 .200

8 10 13 15.5

San Antonio Dallas New Orleans Houston Memphis

Southwest Division 29 4 24 8 20 14 16 16 14 19

.879 .750 .588 .500 .424

4.5 9.5 12.5 15

But they outscored Cleveland 32-9 in the third quarter and hung on after nearly blowing a 15-point lead in the fourth, sending the Cavaliers to their 16th loss in 17 games.

Derrick Rose had 28 points and 11 assists and Luol Deng had 23 points for Chicago. The Cavaliers hung in even though they were without injured trio Anderson Varejao, Mo Williams and Daniel Gibson.

JJ Hickson led Cleveland with 21 points.

Hornets 92, Wizards 81 In Washington, Trevor Ariza scored a season-high 22 points to help New Orleans beat Washington.

Emeka Okafor had 17 points and a season-high 15 rebounds for New Orleans. Wizards rookie point guard John Wall had 12 points, 10 assists and eight turnovers — four in the third quarter. Nick Young led Washington with 24 points. The Wizards have lost 16 of 19.

Nuggets 104, Kings 86 In Denver, Carmelo Anthony was rusty in his return to the Denver lineup but the Nuggets still comfortably beat Sacramento.

Anthony was back from a two-week absence following the death of his sister, and missed 15 of his first 18 shots and finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds in 31 minutes. Chauncey Billups led Denver with 22 points and Nene had 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Jason Thompson led the Kings with 17 points.

T’wolves 103, Nets 88 In Minneapolis, Kevin Love had 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead Minnesota over New Jersey.

Darko Milicic scored 16 points on 8-for-9 shooting and the usually porous Wolves held the Nets to nine points in the third quarter to win for the third time in four games.

Sasha Vujacic tied a career high with 22 points for the Nets, who have lost five in a row. — AP

CAPE TOWN: Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis made contrasting half-centuries to blunt India’s advantage after winning the toss on the first day of the third and final Test against South Africa at Newlands yesterday.

South Africa were 232 for four at the end of a day which started under a heavily overcast sky, was twice interrupted by rain and bad light, and finished in bright sunshine.

With the series riding on the outcome of the match, Amla made 59 and Kallis 81 not out to leave Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni wondering whether he made the right decision in sending South Africa in on what looked an unusually green Newlands pitch.

“The day went quite well for us, considering we were put in and lost a few wickets early,” said Amla. “The wicket had a lot in it for the bowlers if they hit a decent length. There was a lot of swing and a lot of nip.”

But Indian fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth pointed out that the second new ball would be due after six overs on Monday and said he believed South Africa could be bowled out for a reasonably low total.

“We should get a couple of breakthroughs with the new ball. It’s a good wicket to bowl on and it’s not easy for any batsman if we stick to our basics.”

India were on top early on when they dismissed both opening batsmen cheaply, with Graeme Smith falling for six and Alviro Petersen for 21.

But Amla batted aggressively as he and Kallis put on 72 for the third wicket before Kallis had partnerships of 58 with AB de Villiers (26) and an unbeaten 68 with Ashwell Prince (28 not out).

With the weather expected to be fine for the rest of the match after two days of unseasonal rain, India’s advantage was slight at best on a pitch where it usually pays to bat first.

Amla played a sparkling innings in making 59 off 80 balls with eight fours and a pulled six off Sreesanth which raised his half-century. Fortune favoured Amla, though, and there were streaky shots among some scorching drives, cuts and pulls.

He eventually fell to a loose shot, top-edging a pull against Sreesanth to Cheteshwar Pujara at deep midwicket.

Kallis, by contrast, was at his most watchful as he passed fifty for the 15th time in 18 Tests on his home ground. He has converted six of those efforts into centuries in amassing more than 1600 Test runs at Newlands. He reached his fifty off 99 balls and by the close had faced 169 deliveries, hitting just six boundaries.

“Jacques has been the key to our team for about 15 years now,” said Amla.

“He showed his class today on a testing wicket and his technique was superb.”

Only nine overs were bowled in the morning. A further 12 overs were sent down after lunch before the players had to leave the field for 27 minutes because of bad light. By that time, Smith and Petersen had both been dismissed. —AAFP

CAPE TOWN: South African batsman Ashwell Prince blocks a shot from Indian Shanthakumaran Sreesanth on the first day of the third Test between India and South Africa at Newlands Stadium. — AFP

Scoreboard CAPE TOWN: Scoreboard at the close of the first day of the third test between South Africa and India at Newlands on yesterday: South Africa first innings A. Petersen c Dhoni b Ishant G. Smith lbw b Zaheer H. Amla c Pujara b Sreesanth J. Kallis not out A. de Villiers c Dhoni b Sreesanth A. Prince not out Extras (b-1 lb-5 nb-5) Total (for four wickets, 74 overs)

21 6 59 81 26 28 11 232

Fall of wickets: 1-17 2-34 3-106 4-164.

To bat: M. Boucher, D. Steyn, M. Morkel, P. Harris, L. Tsotsobe.

Bowling (to date): Zaheer 19-4-62-1 (2nb), Sreesanth 21-0-70-2 (1-nb), Ishant 16-2-39-1 (2-nb), Harbhajan 18-1-55-0.

India: G. Gambhir, V. Sehwag, R. Dravid, S. Tendulkar, V. Laxman, M. Dhoni, C. Pujara, Ishant Sharma, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, S. Sreesanth.

Clashes as fans queue for World Cup tickets DHAKA: Cricket fans clashed with police in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, yesterday as crowds jostled to buy the first tickets put on sale for the World Cup. Thousands of people had queued overnight outside banks to get seats at the showpiece event, jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which opens on February 19 in Dhaka with a match between India and Bangladesh.

Police reported that fans were angered after bank authorities said that each branch would sell only 500 tickets due to strict scrutiny of buyers’ identification papers.

A small number of fans and one news photographer suffered minor injuries as police broke up protests, officials said.

“They raised slogans and held demonstrations. We dispersed the protesters and maintained calm,” police inspector Shah Alam told AFP. Frustrated fans also damaged several cars in the northern outskirts of the capital, media reports said. Local police chief Abdul Malek said one bus had its windows

smashed.

Hundreds of people had braved chilly temperatures in overnight queues that stretched more than two miles (three kilometres) outside some banks in busy commercial areas of Dhaka.

“Forty of my friends and I have been here in front of Dhanmondi 27 branch of City Bank since Saturday morning to get tickets,” Ashiq Hossain, 20, told AFP. “Getting a ticket for the World Cup is a life -and-death issue,” said his friend Mahbub. “Bangladesh is hosting the World Cup for the first time and there is every chance that our team will be in the semifinals.”

The country is hosting eight matches between February 19 and April 2, including matches against England, the West Indies and South Africa.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has set aside just 15,000 public tickets per match, which went on sale at 80 branches of the private City Bank and state-owned Agrani Bank yesterday. —AFP

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S P ORT S

PASADENA: Wisconsin’s Aaron Henry (right) drags down TCU’s Waymon James during the second half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game. — AP

GLENDALE: Oklahoma wide receiver Kenny Stills (4) recovers his own fumble in front of Connecticut defenders Harris Agbor (25), Blidi Wreh-Wilson (5) and Lawrence Wilson in the second quarter of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA football game. —AP

Texas Christian beat Wisconsin PASADENA: Texas Christian completed a perfect season with a 21-19 win over Wisconsin in college football’s Rose Bowl on Saturday, with linebacker Tank Carder swatting down a potential tying 2-point conversion pass attempt with 2 minutes to play.

Quarterback Andy Dalton threw a touchdown pass, passed for 219 yards and ran for a score for TCU, which won’t win the national title — that will go to Auburn or Oregon at the BCS championship game in nine days — but proved it can play with anybody on college football’s biggest stages.

Bart Johnson caught an early TD pass and recovered a late onside kick for the Mountain West champion Horned Frogs (13-0), who followed up their second straight unbeaten regular season by performing on the big stage.

Montee Ball rushed for 132 yards and a late score for the Big Ten cochampion Badgers (11-2), whose loss capped a nightmare New Year’s Day for

their conference, whose teams went 05 in bowl games Saturday.

FIESTA BOWL Oklahoma 48, Connecticut 20 In Glendale, Arizona, Oklahoma ended a five-game BCS bowl losing streak with win over Connecticut in the Fiesta Bowl, with Landry Jones throwing for a school bowl-record 429 yards and three touchdowns.

Oklahoma (12-2) carried plenty of BCS baggage after losing three straight title games and two Fiesta Bowls. The Sooners avoided the setback six pack thanks to Jones and Ryan Broyles, who had team records of 13 catches and 170 yards to go with the sealing touchdown. Connecticut (8-5) at least kept close for a while in its first BCS bowl.

The hopeful Huskies steadied themselves after an initial barrage from Oklahoma and avoided a complete New Year’s Day desert disaster with hard-nosed running by Jordan Todman

and a handful of big plays.

OUTBACK BOWL Florida 37, Penn State 24 In Tampa, Florida, coach Urban Meyer walked away from Florida with a win in the Outback Bowl against veteran Joe Paterno, who insists Penn State’s disappointing season won’t be his last.

Meyer closed out a highly successful six-year run that included a pair of national titles by leading the Gators back from a second-half deficit.

Omarius Hines and Mike Gillislee ran for touchdowns, Chas Henry kicked three second-half field goals, and Ahmad Black sealed the win with an 80yard interception return TD to help Florida (8-5) send Meyer out with a smile. He resigned last month amid health concerns.

Paterno spent the week leading up to the game repeatedly shooting down rumors that the Outback Bowl could be his last. He expects to be back for a 46th

season with the Nittany Lions (7-6).

Matt McGloin threw five interceptions for Penn State after only being picked off four times in 174 attempts during the regular season. He finished 17 of 41 for 211 yards and one touchdown.

GATOR BOWL Mississippi State 52, Michigan 14 In Jacksonville, Florida, Chris Relf threw three touchdown passes, Vick Ballard ran for three scores and the Bulldogs overwhelmed the Wolverines in the Gator Bowl. The 38-point drubbing was the worst bowl loss in Michigan’s storied history and may have sealed the fate of Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez. His three-year tenure has been tainted by consecutive losing seasons, NCAA sanctions and late-season slides. Michigan (7-6) was out of this game early, done in again by a defense that made a middle-of-the-pack Southeastern Conference team look like

a juggernaut. Relf and Ballard posed problems all day. Relf completed 18 of 23 passes for 281 yards, and added 49 yards on the ground. Ballard ran for 77 yards. The Bulldogs (9-4) finished with 485 yards and punted only twice.

CAPITAL ONE BOWL Alabama 49, Michigan State 7 In Orlando, Florida, Alabama rolled to the most lopsided victory in Capital One Bowl history, as Mark Ingram ran for two scores to break the Crimson Tide’s career touchdown record.

The 2009 Heisman winner had 59 yards rushing against the team he supported as a kid, and moved past Shaun Alexander’s mark (41) with 42 career touchdowns.

Greg McElroy threw for 220 yards and one touchdown as the Crimson Tide (10-3) found the end zone on their first four possessions, held the Spartans (112) to 171 total yards and sacked Kirk Cousins four times in their best perform-

ance all season.

TICKETCITY BOWL Texas Tech 45, Northwestern 38 In Dallas, Taylor Potts threw four touchdown passes and scored another on a trick play to carry Texas Tech to a tight victory over Northwestern.

Eric Stephens ran 86 yards for a score, and the Red Raiders (8-5) led by 22 points early in the second half, then had to sweat it out.

The Wildcats (7-6) got within a touchdown twice in the fourth quarter, with quarterbacks Evan Watkins and Kain Colter combining to lead three straight touchdown drives and Jordan Maybin returning an interception 39 yards for a score. The game wasn’t decided until the final play, a heave by Watkins that was intercepted.

Northwestern remains winless in a bowl since 1949. The Wildcats have lost eight in a row, including three straight close ones the last three seasons. —AP

Quins rally to stun Saints as Exiles losing run continues

MUNICH: Winner Maria Pietilae-Holmner of Sweden (center) is flanked on the podium by second placed Tina Maze of Slovenia (left) and third placed Austrian Elisabeth Goergl after an alpine skiing parallel slalom World Cup race. — AP

Kostelic, Maria win parallel slaloms MUNICH: Sweden’s Maria PietilaeHolmner and Croat Ivica Kostelic celebrated the New Year by winning World Cup parallel slaloms yesterday.

The event at Munich’s Olympic Park was part of a plan by the International Ski Federation to make alpine skiing more popular in big cities. It was also a test before next month’s world championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen with a

crowd of 25,000 turning up in spite of the cold.

Pietilae-Holmner, winner of a slalom in Aspen in December, beat Slovenia’s Tina Maze in the final to bag 100 points in the World Cup standings as well as the winner’s cheque. Kostelic, who had yet to win a race this winter, showed he was in great shape ahead of the annual night slalom in Zagreb on Thursday, which is always a special

event for him.

The Croat beat Frenchman Julien Lizeroux in the final.

Trophies were handed by figure skating’s Katarina Witt, who is head of the Munich bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Parallel slaloms were held as part of the World Cup in 1977 and 1988 but have never become a regular fixture on the alpine skiing calendar. — Reuters

LONDON: Harlequins came from behind to become the first team to win at Premiership leaders Northampton this season with a hard-fought 16-13 success on Saturday.

Quins were 10-3 behind and down to 13 men at Franklin’s Gardens after John Andress and England back-row Nick Easter had both been sent to the sinbin.

But they fought back to record their first away win of the league season after England scrum-half Danny Care charged down Stephen Myler ’s kick to score the decisive try in the second half of a match where all of Quins other points came via the boot of New Zealander Nick Evans.

“It was a tremendous result in adversity,” said Harlequins coach Conor O’Shea.

“It’s as adverse as you could get, 10-3 down at Franklin’s Gardens with only

13 players. “You can’t coach that, it is all down to the hearts of the players and I am so proud of them.

Victory saw Quins into fifth place in the 12-team Premiership and former Ireland international O’Shea added: “I am really pleased that we have broken our away day hoodoo and this gets us back in the mix in the Premiership. It’s the most competitive one that I have known.”

Disappointed Saints boss Jim Mallinder said: “ We didn’t play well enough...The first 10 minutes of the second half were crucial, we didn’t look after the ball during that time.”

But, despite this defeat Northampton remained top of the table in a league where the ultimate winners are not the side heading the standings at the end of the regular season but the team that triumphs in postseason playoffs.

“We lost the game here but it is not the end of the world and we are still in a really good position,” Mallinder said.

London Irish lost for the ninth straight match in all competitions despite outscoring Bath three tries to one in a frustrating 25-24 home defeat at the Madejski Stadium.

The Exiles, who last tasted victory on October 31, were undone by the fina kick of the match when Bath’s ex-England international Olly Barkley landed his sixth successful penalty to add to his earlier conversion of former Springbok scrum-half Michael Claassens’s try.

London Irish, who remained fourth, scored tries through Sailosi Tagicakibau, Richard Thorpe and Topsy Ojo but repeatedly found themselves on the wrong end of decisions from referee Greg Garner.

“When you score three tries and concede one, you expect to win the game,” said Exiles coach Toby Booth. “I have got a dressing room full of people in disbelief. I felt we did enough to win the game, but we didn’t.”

Leeds recorded their first league win of the season, 15-13 over Gloucester, but the result still left them bottom of the table and in the lone relegation spot, although it did move the Yorkshire club to within three points of fellow strugglers Newcastle.

“I’m just pleased for the squad and very proud,” said Leeds coach Neil Back, who saw his side score tries through Hendre Fourie and Michael Stephenson.

“We are still at the bottom with a mountain to climb, but with three wins in a row now, including the two in Europe, its a good place to be,” the ex-England flanker added. —AFP

Leicester back on top LONDON: Champions Leicester moved into first place in the Premiership with a 22-15 win at Exeter yesterday. The Tigers’ fourth successive league victory was enough to take them above second placed Northampton and into top spot for the first time this season.

Leicester made a perfect start as centre Manu Tuilagi set up a break before offloading to his brother Alesana to score in the third minute.

Exeter got on the scoreboard when fly-half Ryan Davis landed a penalty to take him past 100 points for the season.

Jeremy Staunton put Tigers further ahead with a penalty but Exeter hit back as Davis split the posts again.

With 10 minutes of the half remaining, Leicester demonstrated their experience as Jordan Crane nipped in to score under the posts, with Staunton converting. Exeter hit back before the break, with Davis kicking a 15-metre

penalty. The hosts forced Leicester to concede another penalty in the second half and Davis drilled the ball between the upright from out on the left to reduce the arrears to three points. As the game went in to the final quarter, England fly-half Toby Flood, who started the game on the bench after overcoming an adductor injury, missed a longrange penalty attempt minutes after coming on.

Exeter sensed a chance and full-back Luke Arscott hacked in to the Leicester 22 where Flood failed to collect cleanly.

Leicester were penalised in the subsequent play but Davis was unable to kick the three points.

Leicester then exploited a pick and drive to test the Exeter defence and Crane again found a gap for the Tigers third try with Flood adding the extras giving the visitors a 10-point advantage.

With seven minutes remaining,

Exeter sub Gareth Steenson kicked a penalty but then failed with another as Leicester clung on.

Elsewhere, Sale ended a run of five consecutive defeats in all competitions by beating Saracens 28-22 to give new coach Pete Anglesea his first win.

Anglesea’s first game in charge was a 54-21 humbling at Leicester, but his side looked revitalised in front of their home crowd at Edgeley Park.

They dominated the first half, with new captain Mark Cueto and his predecessor James Gaskell going over in the first 10 minutes and Chris Bell adding a third try before the interval.

Wasps climbed into the top four with a 33-16 victory over Newcastle.

Ben Jacobs and Serge Betsen scored the tries that put Wasps in control and the victory was sealed by 18 points from fly-half Dave Walder and a late penalty try. — AFP

MONTPELLIER: Montpellier’s fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc (center) vies with Racing Metro’s centre Albert Vulivuli and fly-half Jonathan Wisniewski during their French Top 14 rugby union match. — AFP

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Jordan ready to shock Asian Cup big guns

DAMASCUS: File picture dated December 22, 2010 shows Syrian national team players posing for a group picture before their friendly football match against Iraq in Damascus. —AFP

Syria gear up after coach change DOHA: Syria are counting on a stopgap coach for their Asian Cup campaign after the job changed hands three times in three months, but the new man in charge is determined to help the Eagles soar in time.

“We have a short period but this is not a problem,” Valeriu Tita told media in mid-December when he was named Syria’s coach just three weeks before they kick off their Group B battles against Japan, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

The 44-year-old Romanian, on loan from Syrian club Ittihad, insisted that a few warm-up friendlies would be enough to put the “final touches” on the national squad before their fifth Asian Cup finals, but first since 1996.

Tita replaced Serbian Ratomir Dujkovic after guiding his Aleppo side to win a penalty shootout against Kuwait’s Al Qadsia in the final of the AFC Cup, Asia’s second-tier club competition, in early November.

Syria Football Association president Farouk Sirriya sacked Dujkovic for failing to return from a vacation at an agreed time ahead of a friendly against Asian Cup holders Iraq away on December 18.

A tactician credited for guiding

Ghana to the last-16 at the 2006 World Cup, Dujkovic reportedly revolted against the Syrian FA’s decision not to allow him to bring his own coaching staff.

Syria nevertheless took the match 1-0 without him but then lost 1-0 to the same Gulf side four days later at home with Tita in charge for the first time.

Tita may rely on Al-Karamah striker Mohamed Al Zeno, who has scored 14 goals in 36 matches for Syria since 2004, and Sanharib Malki Sabah, a frontman with the Belgian side Lokeren, for goals.

Ali Diab, 28, who joined China’s first division Shanghai Shenhua in 2010, can beef up Syria’s defence with his aerial strength.

Sirriya, the FA chief, admitted it would be a daunting task for the Eagles to reach the Asian Cup knockout stage for the first time. In their Cup debut in 1980, they missed a lasteight berth by one point.

“The 2011 Asian Cup could be the toughest edition for Syria,” he told www.the-afc.com, adding that their clash with Japan “could be our toughest assignment because of their experience in the World Cup.”

Japan, three-time Asian Cup champions, as are Saudi Arabia and Iran, reached the last-16 in South Africa in June for their best-ever World Cup result on foreign soil.

He also described fellow West Asians Saudi Arabia and Jordan as “a force to be reckoned with in the group.” “So, we are not going to leave anything to chance and will do everything to emerge from the group unscathed and ready for the next stages.”

The revolving door of coaches started after Syria qualified for the 2011 Asian Cup under homegrown Fajr Ibrahim. They won four matches and drew twice-including a 3-2 win over second-placed China-as the only country to remain unbeaten in any group.

But Ibrahim was fired after his squad lost two straight friendlies to Kuwait and Yemen in September. Syria then had mixed results under caretaker coach Ayman Hackeem before Dujkovic replaced him.

The Serb took charge of only one match when Syria dominated Bahrain 2-0 in a mid-November friendly with solid midfield pressure and an improved defence. —AFP

PRETORIA: A file picture dated June 29, 2010 shows Japan’s national team posing prior to the start of the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match. —AFP

Japan brace for tough Mideast rivals DOHA: Japan are taking nothing for granted at the Asian Cup after their best-ever World Cup on foreign soil, as Middle East rivals line up to spoil the Blue Samurai’s bid to regain the continental title.

Japan bowed to fellow three-time champions Saudi Arabia 3-2 in the 2007 Asian Cup semi-finals, failing to lift a third straight title, and now the two giants are grouped together with Jordan and Syria in Qatar.

Despite a run of warm-up defeats, the Blue Samurai reached the World Cup last-16 in South Africa in June when North Korea, South Korea and Australia-but none of West Asian powerhouses-also represented the continent.

“We are aiming high as a matter of course,” Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said, citing the country’s World Cup feat and their triumphs in both men’s and women’s tournaments at the Asian Games in November.

But the former AC Milan boss admitted: “I expect tremendous battles ahead. “Australia and South Korea may headline the tournament,” he said. “But I feel that teams from the Middle East will be quite formidable

as they can fight in conditions quite close to home.”

In their opening game on January 9, Japan face Jordan, whom they narrowly defeated 4-3 on penalties in the 2004 Asian Cup quarter-finals before going on to beat hosts China for the trophy.

Zaccheroni, who had never coached a national team or foreign club before joining Japan, got off to a convincing start after taking over from homegrown World Cup boss Takeshi Okada.

With the 57-year-old Italian in charge for the first time, Japan upset a full-strength Argentina 1-0 at home and fought to a scoreless draw away with cross-strait rivals South Korea in friendlies in October.

“Going out with this line-up, we should not fear any opponent,” Zaccheroni said as he called up eight Europe-based players, including CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda and Borussia Dortmund rookie Shinji Kagawa.

Honda scored in Japan’s wins over Cameroon and Denmark at the World Cup. Japan bowed to the Netherlands 1-0 in the other group match and

missed a quarter-final spot by a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay.

Kagawa, 21, has attracted European clubs by scoring eight goals in the first half of the Bundesliga season after moving from J-League side Cerezo Osaka.

“The Asian Cup will be a tournament where we will demonstrate how much we have improved after the World Cup,” said Honda, known for his aggressive play and straight-talking approach.

“Of course, there is only one thing we aim for,” said the 24-year-old, who has always vowed to go for the title in any tournament.

Zaccheroni though will be missing World Cup centre -backs Yuji Nakazawa and Marcus Tulio Tanaka through knee injuries, something he called a “great blow”.

But Cesena’s Yuto Nagatomo, Atsuto Uchida of Schalke and Maya Yoshida of VVV Venlo are ready to guard the Samurai’s backline.

“The history of Japanese football won’t end at the Asian Cup. I want to use as many young players as possible to prepare well for the 2014 World Cup,” said the Italian. —AFP

DOHA: Underdogs Jordan are raring to spring a surprise at the Asian Cup as they did in a miraculous fightback to clinch only their second-ever berth in the continental showcase. “ We want to be competitive although it will be a tough mission in the group that includes Japan, Saudi Arabia and Syria,” Jordan coach Adnan Hamad said.

“But we still have great ambition and hope to pass the first round.” Both Japan and Saudi Arabia are aiming for a record fourth title. Veteran goalkeeper Amer Shafia said: “Our goal is to achieve the best possible result from our match against Japan that we will enjoy anyway.

We seek to be true competitors.”

The 28-year-old has a score to settle when AlNashima (Brave Ones) face Japan in their Group B opener on January 9. The Blue Samurai sprang back from 2-0 down to beat Jordan 4-3 on penalties with him bet ween the posts in the 2004 Asian Cup quar ter-finals in China. Japan went on to beat the hosts for their third title.

Hamad, a former Iraq national coach who managed Jordanian club AlFaisaly in 2006, helped turn Jordan’s fortunes in Asian Cup qualifying after he took over Al-Nashima from Por tuguese Nelo Vingada in April 2009.

Jordan had a single point from their first three games, including a goalless draw at home with Thailand, when the 49year- old I raqi tac tician joined them.

Under his leadership, the Jordanians lost to Iran 1-0 away but beat them 10 at home before another 0-0 draw with Thailand.

Jordan emerged out of the quagmire with a 2-1 home win over Singapore in their last qualifier before which they were still one point behind the t wo S outheast Asian sides. Iraq beat Thailand 1-0 to finish top of their group.

Hamad, who was named the 2004 Asian coach of the year af ter guiding Iraq to a fourth place finish at the Athens Olympics, has brought young players into Jordan’s squad, many of whom took par t in the 2007 U-20 World Cup. He said his team included “players that would not only serve the upcoming Asian Cup but World Cup qualifiers and beyond”.

Abdullah Deeb, a promising 23-year-old striker who rejoined home league side Shabab AlOrdon last year after a season with Belgium’s K V Mechelen, said: “We want to take our chance and prove ourselves by playing against top teams in the Asian Cup.” He may boost Jordan’s firepower with 27-year-old Al Faisaly striker Moayyad Abu Keshek.

Hamad harbours no illusions about their Group B opponents, par ticularly Japan.

“Playing against Japan will be very difficult particularly because they have gained a lot of experience from international tournaments,” he said.

The Blue Samurai reached the last-16 in South Africa last June for their best-ever World Cup finish on foreign soil.

Jordan got a morale boosting 4-1 friendly win over Asian Cup holders Iraq at home in September but crashed out in the group stages of the West Asian Championship they hosted in the same month. —AFP

AMMAN: A file picture dated September 28, 2010 shows Jordan’s football team posing for a group photograph prior to their match against Kuwait in the Sixth 2010 WAFF Championship (West Asian Football Federation Championship) in Amman. —AFP

Saudis gunning for another Asian crown DOHA: Three-time Asian Cup winners Saudi Arabia believe it is time to end their title drought since 1996 with coach Jose Peseiro hoping to put their World Cup heartbreak behind them.

Peseiro, who kept his job despite the Saudis failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 20 years, tested new talent and rested his key players at the Gulf Cup, several weeks before the continental showcase.

The Portuguese tactician insisted it was the right decision although home fans criticised him af ter the Green Falcons lost to Kuwait 1-0 on December 5 in the final of the increasingly popular Mideast tournament.

“The Gulf Cup helped us a lot to know the ability of some new players,” the 50year-old coach said as Saudi Arabia prepared for Asian Cup group matches against Syria, Jordan and Japan. “I am sure that the Saudi team is going to compete for the title.”

At the 2007 Asian Cup, the Saudis were stunned by dark horses Iraq 1-0 in the final after outlasting fellow threetime champions Japan 3-2 in the semifinals.

Captain Yasser Al Qahtani, a key Saudi striker who scored four goals to share the 2007 Asian Cup golden boot, said his team had a “big incentive to get the Asian title back.”

“Saudi fans don’t accept the runner-up place like the last one. They want no less than the title,” said the 28-year-old AlHilal forward, nicknamed the “Sniper” for his ability to shoot from anywhere with precision.

“We have a lot of young players in the team capable of playing in this big tournament and we are optimistic to win it in Qatar.”

Al Ittihad forward Naif Hazazi, who turns 22 during the Asian Cup, boosts the Green Falcons’ firepower and has been widely rated as one of the top guns in the Middle East since his international debut two years ago. Saudi defender Hamad Al Montashari said: “Our group is not easy but I think it will not be tough for us.

“We have big ambitions and our team is favourite,” added the 28-year-old veteran, the 2005 Asian Footballer of the Year, who also won the 2004 and 2005 AFC Champions League titles with Al Ittihad.

Peseiro, a Real Madrid assistant coach in 2003, took the Green Falcons’ helm in early 2009 in the middle of their losing World Cup qualifying campaign and has enjoyed a wealth of talent to choose from the well-heeled Saudi leagues.

He has also managed numerous clubs since 1992 with mixed results, including Sporting CP of Lisbon. An advocate of Portuguese-style passing football, he has preferred to put five men in midfield but is seen likely to put two strikers up front in Qatar.

His tactics paid off in mid-November at home when his squad forged scoreless draws with Ghana, World Cup quarterfinalists, and Uganda.

“The Saudi team is in a transition period aiming to integerate new blood to build the team for the future,” he said.

“We are trying to give a chance to many players to show their stuff and what they did with their clubs.” —AFP

MUSCAT: File picture dated January 5, 2009 shows Saudi Arabia’s national football team players posing for a group picture before the start of their match against Qatar during the 19th Gulf Cup football tournament. —AFP

Boloni replaces Wallemme at Lens PARIS: French first division strugglers Lens announced yesterday that Jean-Guy Wallemme has left as coach and been replaced by Romanian Laszlo Boloni.

“After the match against Bordeaux (on December 22), Jean-Guy Wallemme expressed to us his desire to be absolved of his responsibility for the professional team,” said Lens president Gervais Martel on the club website.

“After deliberation, we accepted this decision and our choice focused on the recruitment of Mr Laszlo Boloni, whose mission will be to keep RC Lens in Ligue 1.” Lens were second-bottom in Ligue 1 at the start of the winter break on December 22, three points from safety but with a game in hand on most of the teams around them. The 1997-98 French champions finished the 2009-10 season in 11th place in the division, having been promoted from Ligue 2 as champions under Wallemme in May 2009. —AFP

Matches on TV (Local Timings)

Spanish League Atletico v Racing ................ 22:00 Al Jazeera Sport +6 Mallorca v Hercules ........... 22:00 Al Jazeera Sport +4 Zaragoza v Sociedad ......... 22:00 Al Jazeera Sport +5 Villarreal v Almeria ........... 22:00 Al Jazeera Sport +2 Getafe v Real Madrid ........ 0:00 Al Jazeera Sport +3

Brilliant Spurs pound Thunder in NBA action

Texas Christian beat Wisconsin in NCAA college football

MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

AMLA, KALLIS BLUNT INDIAN ATTACK Page 17

EPL results/standings Chelsea 3 (Lampard 23-pen, Drogba 84, Terry 89) Aston Villa 3 ( Young 41-pen, Heskey 47, Clark 90); Wigan 0 Newcastle 1 (Ameobi 19).

Played Saturday: Birmingham 0 Arsenal 3 (Van Persie 13, Nasri 58, Johnson 66-og); Liverpool 2 (Torres 49, Cole 90) Bolton 1 (Davies

43); Man City 1 (Johnson 34) Blackpool 0; Stoke 2 (Jones 23, Jagielka 69-og) Everton 0; Sunderland 3 (Welbeck 11, Bent 19, Gyan 89) Blackburn 0; Tottenham 1 (Bale 42) Fulham 0; West Brom 1 (Morrison 14) Man Utd 2 (Rooney 3, Hernandez 75); West Ham 2 (Zubar 51-og, Sears 79) Wolves 0.

English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Man Utd Man City Arsenal Tottenham Chelsea Sunderland Bolton Stoke Liverpool Newcastle Blackpool Blackburn Everton West Brom Aston Villa West Ham Wigan Fulham Birmingham Wolverhampton

19 21 20 20 20 21 21 20 19 20 18 21 20 20 20 21 20 20 19 20

11 12 12 10 10 7 7 8 7 7 7 7 4 6 5 4 4 3 3 5

8 5 3 6 5 9 8 3 4 4 4 4 10 4 6 8 8 10 10 3

0 4 5 4 5 5 6 9 8 9 7 10 6 10 9 9 8 7 6 12

41 33 42 30 36 24 33 25 23 29 26 26 21 26 23 22 17 19 18 20

18 16 22 23 18 22 28 24 24 31 30 34 24 36 37 33 32 24 24 34

41 41 39 36 35 30 29 27 25 25 25 25 22 22 21 20 20 19 19 18

LONDON: Chelsea’s Ashley Cole (right) competes with Aston Villa’s Stewart Downing during their English Premier League soccer match at Stamford Bridge. —AP

Clark frustrates Chelsea Chelsea 3

Aston Villa 3 LONDON: Aston Villa’s Ciaran Clark put a big dent in Chelsea’s title challenge as his stoppage-time equaliser rescued a dramatic 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

Blues captain John Terry thought he had completed his side’s comeback with an 89th-minute strike five minutes after Didier Drogba had brought the Blues level and the reigning champions celebrated the anticipated win by mobbing coach Carlo Ancelotti on the touchline.

Those celebrations proved to be premature, however, when Clark stole in unmarked at the far post to meet Marc Albrighton’s cross in the first minute of added time and secure a deserved point for Gerard Houllier’s side.

Earlier Chelsea had taken the lead through a Frank Lampard penalty, only for Villa to strike back when Ashley Young levelled from the spot before Emile Heskey put the visitors ahead after the restart.

The result means Chelsea now lie fifth, six points behind leaders Manchester United-who have a game in hand-after winning just one of their last eight league games.

Chelsea struggled to establish any kind of momentum in the opening 20 minutes and were second best to a bright Villa side.

Gabriel Agbonlahor exploited space on the edge of the home area to fire in a fourth minute shot that flew just wide to confirm Villa’s early threat.

But after controlling the opening stages, Villa found themselves behind in the 23rd minute when defender James Collins was adjudged to have climbed on Florent Malouda as he jumped for a high ball and Lampard converted the resulting penalty.

Houllier’s team managed to maintain their attacking threat and appeared capable of causing Chelsea problems every time a ball was floated into the home area.

Ancelotti had been forced to make changes at centre-back, with teenager Jeffrey Bruma coming in for his league debut in place of the suspended Branislav Ivanovic.

The switch reduced Chelsea’s ability to handle Villa’s aerial threat and left-back Clark should have done bet-

ter when he rose unmarked to meet Young’s corner in the 31st minute.

Richard Dunne had an even better chance from another corner seven minutes later when the centre-back half-volleyed a loose ball over the bar from six yards out when he should have scored.

Villa were handed an even clearer opportunity in the 40th minute when Michael Essien’s clumsy challenge on Nigel Reo-Coker led to the second penalty of the game, with Young stepping up to fire home the equaliser.

Villa’s first-half efforts had deservedly been rewarded and there was more to come from Houllier’s side two minutes into the second half when Heskey headed them in front following a well-worked free-kick.

Young floated the ball out to Stewart Downing and the England winger teed up an inviting cross that Heskey headed home from close range after out-jumping Bruma.

Chelsea steadily increased the pressure on Brad Friedel’s goal and Drogba slammed home in the 84th minute after Salomon Kalou’s effort had been blocked.

Then Terry put Chelsea in front after yet another good Friedel save, but Villa showed great resilience to recover once again. —AFP

Ameobi fires Newcastle to victory over Wigan Wigan 0

Newcastle 1

Pedro’s brace sends Barcelona five clear MADRID: Pedro Rodriguez netted a brace as champions Barcelona started 2011 with a nervy 2-1 home win over Levante yesterday to move five points clear of Real Madrid at the Spanish first division summit.

Pedro struck on 47 and 59 minutes to clinch an 11th successive league victory for Barca and Real must now defeat derby rivals Getafe today to move back to within two points of their bitter rivals.

Brazilian Dani Alves set up the opener for Pedro, faking to shoot twice before laying the ball back for the forward to drill home Barcelona’s first goal of the new year two minutes after the break.

Alves was the provider for the second goal as well, teeing up Pedro to curl a controlled shot into the corner.

It was a special game for Spanish World Cup winner Xavi, who equalled

Barcelona’s all-time appearance record. The 30-year-old playmaker made his 549th outing to draw level with legendary centre -back Migueli.

With seven minutes gone Andres Iniesta had a chip tipped over and David Villa then sliced a shot wide as Levante, who lost 8-0 to Real

Madrid in the King’s Cup last time out, rode their luck.

Xavi should have marked his landmark appearance with the opening goal after 26 minutes but shot wide after Iniesta had created the chance with a neat run down the left. Barcelona got the perfect start in the second half, however, as Pedro

SPAIN: Barcelona’s Pedro Rodriguez (right) duels for the ball against Levante’s goalkeeper Reina Rodriguez during a Spanish League soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium. —AP

scored two minutes after the restart. Pedro made it four goals in his last two league games with his second, curling a fine shot into the lefthand side of the goal just before the hour.

Uruguayan substitute Christian Stuani gave the champions a late scare by brilliantly volleying home on 80 minutes but Barcelona survived a tense final 10 minutes to take the points.

Barcelona’s next match is against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday in the second leg of their King’s Cup last 16 tie, with the first leg at Camp Nou having finished 0-0.

Bilbao sank to a 2-1 defeat against Deportivo La Coruna earlier on Sunday, with Adrian Alvarez scoring both goals as the visitors recorded only their second away win of the campaign. In other matches, Malaga moved out of the bottom three with a 21 win at relegation rivals Sporting Gijon. —AFP

LONDON: Newcastle United’s Fabricio Coloccini (right) and Wigan Athletic’s Hugo Rodallega (left) battle for the ball during their English Premier League soccer match. — AP

Spanish league results/standings Athletic Bilbao 1 (Llorente 86) Deportivo La Coruna 2 (Adrian 22pen, 52); Sporting Gijon 1 (Castro

42-pen) Malaga 2 ( Weligton 45, Apono 59-pen); Barcelona 2 (Pedro 47, 59) Levante 1 (Stuani 80).

Spanish league table ahead of yesterday’s late matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Barcelona 17 15 1 1 53 10 46 Deportivo 17 5 6 6 15 20 21 Real Madrid 16 13 2 1 39 12 41 Sevilla 16 6 2 8 21 27 20 Villarreal 16 10 3 3 30 14 33 Hercules 16 5 4 7 18 22 19 Valencia 16 8 4 4 24 19 28 Racing 16 5 3 8 13 23 18 Espanyol 16 9 1 6 18 22 28 Osasuna 16 4 5 7 15 20 17 Atletico 16 8 2 6 27 19 26 Malaga 17 5 1 11 22 36 16 Getafe 16 8 2 6 26 22 26 Levante 17 4 3 10 19 28 15 Bilbao 17 8 1 8 26 29 25 Almeria 16 2 7 7 15 25 13 Sociedad 16 7 1 8 22 26 22 Sporting 17 2 6 9 14 26 12 Mallorca 16 6 3 7 16 20 21 Zaragoza 16 1 7 8 14 27 10

WIGAN: Shola Ameobi fired Newcastle to a 1-0 victory at Wigan yesterday that left the struggling Latics deep in relegation trouble.

Ameobi’s first-half goal was enough to seal Newcastle’s second win under new boss Alan Pardew and leave Roberto Martinez’s team just one point and one place above the bottom three.

While Newcastle are safely in midtable at the start of the New Year, Wigan face a grim struggle to beat the drop.

Pardew said: “We worked hard and were disciplined and did the right things at the right times. A 1-0 away win, you take those and it’s a good victory for us.

“The most important message for a club as big as us is that we should expect to win every game, regardless of the opposition, and then we see where we fall.”

Martinez added: “It was a very scrappy game and we were poor, not up to the level we know we can achieve. “We couldn’t find a way to be ourselves, to impose ourselves, and to keep the ball. We were looking for a bit of hope rather than a controlled performance.”

“With the amount of games we’ve played, we try to play at a high intensity and Wednesday’s performance (in a 2-2 draw against Arsenal) took a lot out of us.”

Newcastle created the first chance after just two minutes as Danny Simpson swung a cross into the box from the right.

Ameobi was allowed the space to meet it but the striker was unable to find the target, heading the ball back across the face of goal.

Wigan went close themselves as a failed clearance from Ben Watson’s free-kick fell to Tom Cleverley, whose curling shot drew a smart save from Steve Harper. —AFP

Business

Europe: Great Absent or Great Power?

Page 23

Saudi regulator fines Banque Saudi Fransi Page 24

Alan Mulally: Keep it simple with ‘One Ford’

MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

Page 25

DUBAI: A long property boom has turned Dubai into an investor’s playground, but fears of a dangerous new phase in the economic crisis swept around the region over a possible debt default by the emirate. — MCT

Obama mulls tough choices on budget Don’t ‘play chicken’ with debt ceiling: Advisor WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama is willing to make difficult choices on spending cuts when he unveils his budget next month, a senior aide said yesterday.

But White House economist Austan Goolsbee said it was important not to “skimp” on important investments like education. “We are going to have to make, in the medium run, a series of tough choices, and the president’s not afraid to do that, and I think you will see in his budget that he’s willing to,” Goolsbee told the ABC News program “This Week” in an interview.

A fight is looming as Obama prepares to unveil his annual budget proposal in mid-February. Republicans who won control of the House of Representatives in November elections have vowed to roll back federal spending to 2008 levels, with exceptions for the elderly, US troops and veterans.

Meanwhile, the top White House

economic adviser is warning against what he calls “playing chicken” with the need to raise the nation’s debt ceiling. For some conser vatives, refusing to raise the limit on the federal debt would be a tactic to force the government into cutting spending.

Last February, Congress raised the debt ceiling to $14.3 trillion. The debt is now at nearly $13.9 trillion and growing each day. A move to raise the ceiling again is expected this spring.

The chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, Austan Goolsbee, says that refusing to raise the debt ceiling would push the country into default-and a far greater economic crisis than Americans saw in 2008.

While signaling an openness to some cuts, Obama has also indicated he will defend some spending priorities, including education.

“If you’re going to go skimp on important investments that we need to grow, you’re making a mistake,” said Goolsbee, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.

The US budget deficit came in at $1.3 trillion in 2010. Goolsbee said it was important not to “conflate” the short-term deterioration in the budget picture, which he said was a result of economic crisis, and long-term budget challenges.

“The reason the deficit is big this year is because we’re coming out of the worst recession since 1929. That’s the reason. The longer-run fiscal challenge facing the country is important,” he said.

Goolsbee said he saw some encouraging signs in the US labor market, including a recent drop in claims for unemployment insurance.

The US jobless rate, at 9.8 percent in November, was a key factor behind Democrats’ November loses.

Dubai attracts new money, Egypt falls MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS DUBAI: Dubai’s index advanced to a three-week high yesterday, led by property-linked stocks, as investors built new positions on the first trading day of 2011.

Other regional bourses also rose, with the exception of Egypt, whose benchmark dropped after surging to a sevenmonth high on Thursday. In Dubai, construction heavyweight Arabtec added 3.6 percent and Emaar Properties rose 0.9 percent. Both ended 2010 significantly lower after investors dumped real estate stocks over uncertainty about recovery.

“Most of the stocks trading (higher) today are real estate because they got hit during the last period, during the fourth quarter,” said Musa Haddad, head trader in National Bank of Abu Dhabi’s asset management group.“These stocks are now pushing the market to the upside.”

Air Arabia and logistics services provider Aramex also attracted buying, rising 1.5 percent and 1.4 percent respectively. “”We’ve seen new cash coming in from the institutional side,” said Samer Al-Jaouni, general manager of Middle East

Financial Brokerage Co. “It’s the beginning of the year, and global markets closed at a high level on Friday,” Jaouni said, adding speculation ahead of full year financials is also a factor.

Dubai’s index was the worst regional performer in 2010, slipping 10 percent.

In Abu Dhabi, heavyweight Aldar Properties rose 2.2 percent, lifting the index 0.8 percent. Investors are still waiting for news a government support package to troubled Aldar, after which analysts expect the share price to rise.

“It’s worth keeping the big movers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in your portfolio, we’re positive about Abu Dhabi this year,” NBAD’s Haddad added.

Qatar’s bourse and Oman’s index also rose, lifted by banking stocks, but Egypt’s benchmark succumbed to profit-booking after four consecutive sessions of gains.

“Surprisingly, Egypt opened the year on a negative note,” said CIBC Brokerage’s Omar Darwish. — Reuters

Oman to spend $78bn in new five-year plan MUSCAT: Oman plans to spend 30 billion rials ($77.92 billion) in its new five -year economic plan to 2015, including about 6 billion rials allocated to oil industry, the Gulf state’s national economy minister said yesterday.

The bulk of spending in the new plan, which runs 2011 to 2015, will go toward roads, hospitals and education. “The forecast of the plan is to spend 30 billion rials, which is an increase of 113 percent compared to

the previous five year plan,” Ahmad Mekki, the national economy minister, told reporters.

Oman, a non-OPEC producer, projected average output of 897,000 barrels per day (bpd) under the plan. Last month, Oman’s oil minister said oil production stood at 875,000 bpd at the end of November.

Mekki said the five-year plan was based on an average oil price of $59 a barrel. US crude ended the year at $91.38 in New York on Friday, up 15

percent on the year. Oman is a small producer, but its crude is used to set the price for around 12 million bpd of crude exports to Asia from some of the largest exporters in the world in the Gulf.

Mekki also said the plan projected average inflation of 4 percent. Oman’s annual inflation rate stood at 4.2 percent in October. Analysts expect inflation to rise in 2011 in all Gulf states except Saudi Arabia, according to a Reuters poll last month. — Reuters

LONDON: A motorist prepares to put fuel in his car at a petrol station in Camberley yesterday. Motorists are having to pay record prices at the pumps after a Government fuel duty was added ahead of the VAT rise which will again increase the cost of fuel later in the week. The Automobile Association estimates that the two increases will add around 3.5 pence to the cost of a litre of petrol and diesel. — AFP

Britain poised for rocky economic ride in 2011 LONDON: An austere tax increase, huge cuts in state spending and rising unemployment are all set to be unleashed on Britain in 2011, risking widespread strike action by disgruntled workers.

The Conservative-Liberal coalition led by Prime Minister David Cameron insists on the need to tighten government spending to quickly slash the country’s record public deficit inherited from the previous administration. “The national interest dictates that we do the right thing, which is to act, not the easy thing, which would be to delay,” Cameron said in his New Year’s message.

“In doing so, we should be clear: Britain has a really bright future to look forward to.”

But the opposition Labor party says the government is putting at risk the country’s fragile recovery from recession by rushing to reduce a deficit of around 150 billion pounds (174 billion euros, $231 billion).

Union leaders are warning the cuts will spark massive strikes in the coming months.

“We can expect to see workers in both public and private sectors out on the picket lines fighting for jobs and against savage attacks on pensions and standards of living,” warned Bob Crow, the militant head of the

RMT transport union.

Britain’s austerity drive in 2011 kicks off in earnest on Tuesday, when its rate of VAT, or sales tax on goods and services, jumps to 20 percent from 17.5 percent. Ahead of the increase, shoppers have been busy in the post-Christmas sales period snapping up big-ticket items such as televisions.

Department store John Lewis, a key indicator of the country’s retail sector strength, said it had enjoyed record takings last week.

“Consumers in general face serious headwinds and uncertainties so will see the sales as a time to make purchases that they could increasingly struggle to make in 2011,” said Howard Archer, chief European economist at IHS Global Insight research group.

“The fact that VAT will rise... increases the attractiveness of the sales, particularly for big-ticket items.”

The government, which was formed in May after an inconclusive general election, expects 330,000 jobs to be shed in Britain’s public sector over the next four years under a cost-cutting drive totalling 81 billion pounds. It comes against a background of weaker-than-expected economic growth,

with British gross domestic product (GDP) climbing by only 0.7 percent in the third quarter, recent official data showed.

Meanwhile the number of unemployed in Britain has hit 2.5 million and is expected to rise further in 2011. Elsewhere, the Bank of England is this year expected to begin raising its key interest rate from a recordlow level of 0.50 percent to combat higher inflation.

The CBI, Britain’s main business body and which backs the government’s belttightening, acknowledged that the country’s economy faces a tough 2011 due to the spending cuts, VAT hike and worries about eurozone debt.

“However, the latest CBI forecasts, which are pretty much in line with the consensus view, suggest that growth in private sector investment and trade will start to pick up in the second half of the year, and continue into 2012,” said CBI head Richard Lambert.

“That would bring GDP growth of 2 percent in 2011 and 2.4 percent the year afternot much to shout about, perhaps, at this stage of a recovery, but enough to keep unemployment under control and the public finances on track.” — AFP

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MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

business

Spain holds EU’s economic fate in its hands in 2011 MADRID: For financial markets the doomsday scenario in 2011 starts with Spain buckling under its debt and unleashing a Europe-wide crisis that dwarfs anything seen so far in Greece or Ireland.

Financial analysts disagree on the likelihood of such a Spanish sovereign debt crisis but they agree the risk is real and that existing European and international rescue mechanisms would be unable to cope.

In part to avert just such an outcome, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero’s Socialist government is slashing spending to lower the public deficit from 11.1 percent in 2009 to 3.0 percent in 2013.

He vowed in an end-of-year address

Thursday to meet his targets. And many in the markets believe the plan is credible, especially coupled with announced sales of big stakes in the national lottery and airport operator.

Spain’s government has repeatedly stressed that the accumulated public debt is below the European Union limit of 60 percent of annual output, or gross domestic product. It rose to 57.7 percent of GDP at the end of September from 53.2 percent at the end of 2009.

But the big concern for 2011 is that as investors get nervous about Spain they demand higher and higher returns in order to lend money both to the government and private sector.

At a certain point, the rates could get so high that Spain might decide it is no

longer worth seeking financing from the market. Spain’s central and regional governments and its banks need to raise about 290 billion euros in gross debt on the markets in 2011, including rolling over existing debt, raising their exposure to “funding stress”, Moody’s Investors Service said this month.

If the 10-year interest rate on Spanish debt was to exceed 6 or 6.5 percent, it would become impossible for Spain to stabilise its public debt ratio in the future, Patrick Artus, analyst with French financial services group Natixis, said in a December report.

At the last 10-year bond sale on December 16, Spain’s government paid a return of 5.446 percent.

“It is therefore reasonable to think

that if investors turn pessimistic on Spain as we believe they will and if long-term interest rates exceed this threshold Spain will have to, like Greece and Ireland, ask for support from other European countries and from the IMF,” he said.

Natixis believed this aid would have to be forthcoming because of Spain’s weight in the European Union-its economy is twice the size of Greece, Ireland and Portugal combined-and because of the massive amount of Spanish public debt held by European banks.

Underlying the market concerns, Artus cited problems at Spanish banks that loaned heavily in the now collapsed property bubble, an economy with a 20-percent jobless rate and zero growth in the third quarter, and the dif-

ficulty of reducing the fiscal deficit. “The fate of the European Union seems to depend critically on Spain,” said Paolo Mameli, analyst at Italy’s Banca Imi. Any bailout for Portugal would be entirely manageable with the European mechanism set up in May, he said.

“However, an effective speculative attack on Spain would be a different matter,” Mameli said, arguing that funds available would be insufficient for a bailout.

“It therefore seems that Spain represents a sort of Maginot Line for European monetary union.”

Banca Imi believed, however, that Spain was set for economic growth, albeit tepid, in 2011. “The worst may well be over, even in Spain, and even in

the most crucial areas-employment and the property market,” he added. Tullia Bucco, analyst at Unicredit Bank Milan, said markets were concerned about Spanish banks’ exposure to the declining property market and their holdings of government debt. But “the fault line in this vicious circle is that the Spanish government is solvent in spite of a sizeable debt deterioration of both its structural primary balance and growth outlook in the aftermath of the financial crisis.”

Moreover, Bucco said banks’ solvency positions had improved after a wave of mergers promoted by the Bank of Spain-there are now 17 savings banks or groups of savings banks instead of 45. —AFP

Iran says no gap in oil exports to India Economic cooperation still continuing: Official TEHR A N : A s e n i o r I ra n i a n O i l Ministry official said yesterday Iran’s oil expor ts to long-time trading partner India had continued despite a dispute over the

m e t h o d o f p ay m e n t , s t u d e n t news agency ISNA reported.

“There has been no disruption in the sale and exports of oil to India in recent days,” said Ahmad

Q a l e b a n i , t h e h e a d o f s t a te National I ranian Oil Company (NIOC). India buys about 400,000 barrels per day of Iranian crude.

Qalebani said the two coun-

NEW DELHI: A petrol station in New Delhi. A senior Iranian Oil Ministry official said yesterday Iran’s oil exports to long-time trading partner India had continued despite a dispute over the method of payment, student news agency ISNA reported.

tries were determined to carry on cooperating despite problems a gre e i n g a n e w p ay m e n t m e t h o d, a f te r I n d i a s a i d l a s t week it would no longer use a regional clearinghouse system which had been cr iticized for being opaque. “ The economic cooperation between Iran and India in this (oil trade) connection is still cont i n u i n g,” Q a l e b a n i s a i d. Th e Islamic state, the world’s fourthl a rg e s t o i l p ro d u ce r, i s u n d e r sanctions over its nuclear work.

Washington and its allies fear the p ro gra m i s a cove r to b u i l d bombs, while Tehran says it is only aimed at generating power.

Although US sanctions do not cover oil sales, the Asian Clearing Union system used by India and Iran for the trade had been criticized for making it difficult to monitor flows into Iranian organizations against which Washington has sanctions.

On Friday, Deputy Oil Minister Ahmad Khaledi said the dispute with India had been settled by changing the currency for trading. “By changing the currency for oil transactions between Iran and India the problem was solved.”

A senior Indian official present at a Friday meeting with Iranian officials said the idea of using euros instead of dollars was discussed but the two sides would need to make sure the European Central Bank would be happy with the transparency.

Qalebani made no reference t o a ny n e w a r r a n g e m e n t b e t we e n t h e t wo c o u n t r i e s, which implied the issue remained unresolved. —Reuters

A labor works in a textile factory in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang province.

Manufacturing activity in China fell to a three-month low in December but soaring raw material costs continued to fan inflationary pressures in the economy. —AFP

China manufacturing eases on tightening Tough policies to keep inflation in check is still large upward pressure on prices.

China raised key interest rates on Dec. 25, the second such move in less than three months as authorities try to keep a lid on inflation, which surged to a 28-month high in November of 5.1 percent. Officials have also raised the amount of money banks must keep in reserve instead of lending out in an effort to restrain massive bank lending that has powered the economy but also driven up inflation. Goldman Sachs said in a research note that production slowed in December even though restrictions on industrial activity in southern Guangdong province, in place for the Asian Games, were lifted part way through the month.

The province is one of China’s major manufacturing hubs. “ This suggests a very strong tightening force at work which could be the tightening in financial conditions which has been more than we previously expected,” Goldman said. A competing survey released on Thursday, the HSBC China Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index, similarly dipped to a three-month low in December. The HSBC survey covered 400 companies. —AP

HONG KONG: China’s manufacturing boom eased off slightly in the last month of the year, a survey said, reflecting tightening policies taken by authorities to keep inflation in check.

The state-affiliated China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said that its purchasing managers index, or PMI, dipped to 53.9 last month from 55.2 in November and 54.7 in October.

It was the first decline in five months but the 22nd straight month that the reading has stayed above 50, the benchmark for expansion.

The survey on Saturday covered 820 companies across a range of industries and is an indicator of future trends. The federation said in a notice on its website that the index continues to remain at a high level, showing that current economic growth is steady.

A subindex of input prices for raw materials, energy and supplies fell sharply to 66.7 in December from 73.5 in November, indicating that government policies to stabilize prices have met with initial success, the federation said. But it added that there

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Philippine peso Egyptian pounds

.2730000 .4320000 .3670000 .2940000 .2780000 .2820000 .0045000 .0020000 .0761890 .7422910 .3900000 .0730000 .7276840 .0045000 .0480000 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2800500 .4343580 .3706180 .2971670 .2802040 .0497170 .0411580 .2848390 .0359760 .2168240 .0034390 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0762660 .7430350 .0000000 .0747000 .7272920 .0000000

US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian dollars Danish Kroner Swedish Kroner Australian dlr Hong Kong dlr Singapore dlr Japanese yen Indian Rs/KD Sri Lanka rupee Pakistan rupee Bangladesh taka UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi Riyal/KD Omani riyals Philippine Peso

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka

ASIAN COUNTRIES 3.473 6.256 3.275 2.531 3.909 218.120 36.159 3.977

.2860000 .4430000 .3770000 .3040000 .2870000 .2900000 .0075000 .0035000 .0769550 .7497510 .4100000 .0780000 .7349980 .0072000 .0560000 .2821500 .4376150 .3733970 .2993950 .2823050 .0500900 .0414670 .2869750 .0362460 .2184500 .0034650 .0063050 .0025480 .0033000 .0040310 .0768380 .7486070 .3990810 .0752600 .7330480 .0064860

Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

6.413 9.357 0.271 0.273

Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

GCC COUNTRIES 75.065 77.345 731.330 747.660 76.656

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 51.800 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 48.477 Yemen Riyal 1.321 Tunisian Dinar 196.430 Jordanian Dinar 397.510 Lebanese Lira 187.200 Syrian Lier 6.081 Morocco Dirham 33.901 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 281.380 Euro 373.530 Sterling Pound 437.550 Canadian dollar 282.650 Turkish lire 181.830 Swiss Franc 299.790 Australian dollar 286.110 US Dollar Buying 280.745 GOLD 270.000 136.000 70.000

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees

SELL CASH 291.500 748.100 4.220 285.400 552.500 14.100 51.300 167.800 51.710 361.000 36.880 6.510

0.032

397.600 0.189 93.900 3.930 221.500

Sterling Pound US Dollar

303.200 6.200 9.550 76.660 281.300

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 441.000 281.300

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd

SELL DRAFT 290.000 748.100 3.977 283.900

220.700 48.488 379.500 36.730 6.295

Rate for Transfer US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Cyprus Pound Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound

Selling Rate 281.800 284.215 434.705 372.180 295.771 691.257 745.860 76.700 77.380 75.115 397.641 48.541

Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees

6.257 3.289 2.531 4.000 6.413 3.415 9.330 6.147 3.899

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. 730.510 3.295 6.450 77.380 75.110 220.660 44.850 2.532 441.000

GOLD 1,476.970

10 Tola

Bahrain Exchange Company

0.032 0.263 0.251 3.560 399.480 0.190 93.900 46.200 4.410 223.000 1.913 49.200 730.690 3.380 6.700 77.810 75.110 220.660 44.850 2.680 443.000 42.700 304.700 6.200 9.730 198.263 76.760 281.700 1.360

Currency US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Nepali rupee Yemeni Riyal Jordanian Dinars Syrian Pounds Euro Candaian Dollars

Rate per 1000 (Tran) 281.200 3.285 6.300 2.540 3.980 6.460 76.650 75.195 747.560 48.475 443.300 0.00003280 3.950 1.550 399.500 5.750 382.200 288.400

Al Mulla Exchange Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) US Dollar 280.850 Euro 378.200 Pound Sterling 440.250 Canadian Dollar 282.400 Japanese Yen 3.475 Indian Rupee 6.275 Egyptian Pound 48.450 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.530 Bangladesh Taka 3.973 Philippines Peso 6.412 Pakistan Rupee 3.280 Bahraini Dinar 747.000 UAE Dirham 76.400 Saudi Riyal 74.980 *Rates are subject to change

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Europe: Great Absent or Great Power?

US now looks to China, not the EU, as its main rival and partner on the world scene

By Jonathan Story good foreign policy, it has always been recognized, starts at home. Judged by this measure, Europe’s foreign policy must be in deep trouble. Output remains 7% below the pre-crisis trend, public debt levels have reached all-time highs; banks remain fragile; workforce participation is low, and those who work take longer holidays, spend more time unemployed, and retire earlier than their US counterparts. In the medium term, Europe faces a sharply contracting labour force due to adverse demographic trends. What’s worse, the European export champion faces a near 20% drop in the size of its labour force over the coming two decades, whereas the US will see its larger workforce expand by over 5%.

Signals from Washington indicate that the US now looks to China, not the EU, as its main rival and partner on the world scene. Since China’s entry to the WTO in 2002, the two economies have become inextricably intertwined as global manufacturers use the China production platform to sell products into the US, financed by the Chinese government’s purchase of US Treasury bonds. The Chinese leadership, intent on achieving status on the global scene, have gone out of their way to

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knock the EU off its pedestal as their contender to being the US’ prime alternative partner.

There can be little surprise about the gloom surrounding the EU. All assessments appear to indicate that business as usual points to a downward track of growth at home and reduced influence abroad.

Demography shrinking. Bankrupt governments. Frustrated public. But if we wish for something better, then perhaps we should start by thinking differently about Europe, and then matching our thoughts with our actions.

Europeans have thought hard about the disastrous first half of the twentieth century, and done everything to move away from the inherited chauvinisms that brought the tragedy on preceding generations. That is why some proclaim the EU as a post-modern entity, and re-invent our past in order to build a prosperous future. Our semi-sovereign states pool resources to co-govern each other, thereby setting an example to the rest of the world which has no option but to follow suit. Global challenges require global responses and inclusive institutions. The EU leads the way into the global future as an example of how to anesthetize old feuds, socialize national leaders into a shared project for the

common good, and show by policy the benefits of solidarity among the peoples. Only the blind can disagree.

There are two problems though.

The first is that this post-modern view of Europe is not a description, but a wish. The EU is better described as a mosaic of like-minded sovereign states, interdependent among each other and with the rest of the world.

They form neither a new sovereign, nor constitute an international organization, nor are they members of an EU federal state. The new Lisbon Treaty is an international law, agreed-to by sovereign member states.

As long as the EU is not a federal state, diplomacy between the sovereign states is its politics. And because EU states are recognized sovereigns on the global scene, international diplomacy between its member states and their diverse external partners remains an integral part of intra-European politics. For those who wish the EU to become a federal entity, the IMF contribution to the terms of the Greek bailout, capped by the China investment there, is a major humiliation. It shows that the EU cannot get its own house in order. By the token of the EU as a mosaic of interdependent states, it shows to the contrary that the open EU has calls on multiple sources of support to help get its house in order.

The second problem is that the post-modern view of Europe does not chime well with the rest of the world.

Russia, China, India and Japan make the assertion of national sovereignty the kernel of their development at home, and the assertion of their influence abroad. The ethos of the EU that the concept of sovereignty is old hat appears on the contrary as old Europe in a new, pre-imperial guise. NonEuropean states may be forgiven for thinking that if Europe does unite as a new sovereign, we will be confirmed in our anticipation of its imperial pretensions as soon as its representatives start to talk down sovereignty, and talk up the benefits of pooling it.

Outside powers are more than capable of disentangling EU rhetoric from EU reality. EU member states remain the near exclusive proprietors of their citizen’s loyalties. Better under these conditions, they say, to play on the EU’s internal divisions by strengthening bilateral ties between Moscow, Beijing, Tokyo or Delhi and the EU’s national capitals, with a view to puncture the EU’s collective pretension to union. Let us divide now, so that we prevent a united EU from being tempted to rule later.

If we Europeans follow this line of reasoning, we are likely to see conspiracies everywhere. Much better is to

base policy on the confidence that the EU is sui generis. It is not like others.

Consider, for instance, the EU’s external relations: the puritans of EU integration aspire for our member states and peoples to be exclusively married to Brussels. But our member states, and their peoples, think and act polygamously. They like to pick and choose who they live with. They get claustrophobia about the idea of monogamy.

Diplomatic polygamy is the European way of life, and has been for centuries. That is why Europe has so many links into the rest of the world, unparalleled by any other continent.

There is no part of the world with which one or other member state, corporation or citizen is not in touch.

Furthermore, Europe is the world’s No 1 economy, and trader. As the world’s prime importer, it has to maintain open markets, not least because 16 of its member states have below 2% of the EU total, while a further 6 have below 5% each. Most of these have anywhere between 60 to 80% of their national economies accounted for by trade. Its labor force is 225 million strong, and yields a per capita income of $32,000, less than the high productivity labor force of the US at $46,000 but six times that of China.

The EU is China’s prime trade partner, as it is for Africa, Russia, the Middle

East and Gulf states, the Mediterranean countries, while counting among the top trade partners of Latin American countries and India.

More importantly, the European footprint on the world economy is giant size. It is overwhelmingly the world’s prime recipient of inward investment, and by far the largest source of foreign direct investment in the world. Given the central role in the global economy of multinational corporations, the EU and the US both chose to place the great part of their stock in each other, while over the past two decades EU corporations have accounted for over 70% of the total inward investment to the US. The total stock of US investment in Spain alone is greater than the combined position of the US in China and India together.

How is it that the rest of the world either does not understand or does not take the EU as a serious player?

The answer is that until the Europeans’ say who they are, and affirm their arrangements as sui generis, not comparable to anywhere else in the world, they cannot expect others to appreciate how they play in international affairs. Europe’s global presence starts at home.

Jonathan Story is Emeritus Professor of International Political Economy at INSEAD.

Debt crisis strengthens Germany’s hand in EU Merkel must get Germans to back sound EU integration

The Hong Kong-based flag carrier will award the pilots immediate rises of up to nine percent and further rises of two to three percent in May 2012, the Post reported, citing documents detailing the offer.

Cathay makes pay offer to pilots, says report HONG KONG: Cathay Pacific has offered its pilots pay rises of up to 12 percent after they threatened to work to rule over Christmas, a report said yesterday.

The Hong Kong Aircrew O fficers Association’s 1,800 members will vote within six weeks on the deal, which falls short of the rises of more than 30 percent over four years demanded by the union, the Sunday M orning Post said. “ We believe the package is a very good one and we hope our pilots will see that it is well balanced and addresses many of the issues discussed with the pilot representatives during our negotiations with them,” a Cathay Pacific spokeswoman told AFP. The Hong Kong-based flag carrier will award the pilots immediate rises of up to nine percent and further rises of two to three percent in M ay 2012, the Post reported, citing documents detailing the offer.

The labor campaign would have seen pilots refuse to work beyond their scheduled shifts, leading to possible flight delays, reports said.

The union could not be reached immediately for comment but chairman Peter Vinna described the offer in a circular to members as “a good start towards improving pay levels and forms a sound foundation on which to base further pay deals from May 2013”, the Post said.

Cathay pilots make between 33,000 and 144,000 Hong Kong dollars ($4,200 and $18,500) a month depending on seniorit y, while foreign-hired staff also receive school-fee allowances and a housing subsidy as high as 60,000 Hong Kong dollars a month, the Post has reported. In November, Cathay said it expected to nearly triple its full-year profit to 12.5 billion Hong Kong dollars ($1.6 billion) as it bounces back from the global financial crisis. —AFP

FRANKFURT: The debt crisis has strengthened Germany’s hand in Europe, but Chancellor Angela Merkel will have a tough time convincing voters that leadership might also mean digging deep for additional aid.

“So far, people do not see the costs that might be associated with what politicians have agreed to, namely some nation states underwriting the debt of others,” Barclays Capital economist Thorsten Polleit told AFP. “It is an open question whether the crisis is over or whether we are just in the eye of the storm.”

As the de facto euro-zone paymaster, Merkel has imposed strict aid conditions and insisted member countries coordinate economic policies to parr y future crises.

But she must still persuade voters that Germany cannot turn its back on Europe even if it means contributing to a permanent rescue fund. “A unified Europe is the guarantor of our peace and freedom. The euro forms the basis of our prosperity,” she stressed Friday in her New Year ’s address. “Germany needs Europe and our common currency, for our own wellbeing and also to overcome big challenges worldwide.”

But the crisis’ final cost is not known and perpetual change generated by the euro-zone project has unsettled many Germans already, psychologist Monika Mueller said.

The founder of FCM Finance Coaching told AFP it was hard for people to feel what belonging to the euro-

BERLIN: Chancellor Angela Merkel will have a tough time convincing voters that leadership might also mean digging deep for additional aid. zone meant “because they are confused.”

“When things are constantly changing, it’s difficult ” to define a clear European identity, she said.

“It’s not easy to understand what is really happening.”

Merkel was criticized by EU leaders for holding back as the crisis unfolded, but has since reaffirmed German solidarity with its partners.

“No one in Europe will be left alone”, she told the national parliament last month.

A majority of Germans oppose more aid packages however, and with the threat of a court challenge and seven regional elections this year, politicians will “probably tread cautiously,” Commerzbank economist Eckhart Tuchtfeld said.

Germany profits from trade within the euro-zone, which now counts 17 nations with Estonia’s admission, and was the main

Samsung unveils ‘Support Your Country’ promotion for AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 KUWAIT: Samsung Electronics is celebrating the spirit of football this month with the launch of its “Support Your Country” promotion, running now until January 8th across Kuwait. As the Official Mobile Partner of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011, Samsung Electronics is giving its customers the chance to win an all expenses paid trip for two to Qatar to cheer for their team during the AFC Asian football Cup held in Doha, Qatar, from January 7th - 29th.

As one of the leading brands in the mobile market and key supporters of football globally, Samsung has introduced the “Support Your Country” campaign to give its valued customers the chance to follow their passion and share the spirit and excitement of AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 while experiencing the newest and most innovative technologies from Samsung. All customers who buy a Samsung mobile worth KD54 or more from any Samsung retailer during the promotional period will be automatically entered into a draw to win. The lucky winner will be announced on January 10th and will fly to Qatar to attend the Kuwait vs. Qatar match on January 16th.

Among the Samsung products included in the promotion are the popular Samsung Galaxy Tab andthe Samsung Galaxy S family of smartphones. Understanding that football is the world’s most popular sport, Samsung is activating its products to bring football to

Samsung offers its customers the chance to win an all expenses paid trip for two to cheer for their team at region’s premier football championship more people, creating new and exciting opportunities for its fans to enjoy the game.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab represents the newest category of mobile devices for Samsung with its 7” screen and light weight making it the ultimate portable device for every communication and entertainment need. The

Tab operates on the Android(tm) 2.2 platform and is versatile and easy to use with thousands of applications to download, and with specific applications catered to football fans and AFC Asian Cup followers. Whether fans are there in the game or can’t makeit amongst the cheering crowds, Samsung customers won’t be missing the action and the excitement.

“Our customers are passionate about enjoying the most exciting technology in the world, and for many people that enthusiasm extends to supporting their national team in the sporting world,” says Marco Vocale, Head of Corporate Marketing at Samsung Gulf Electronics. “Through our technology and this promotion, we are pleased to offer consumers in Kuwait the chance to attend AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 and share the thrill of the game with their family and friends.”

The AFC Asian Cup tournament is hosted annually by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) which is the governing body of Asian football and one of the six Confederations making up FIFA. Among the countries represented at this year’s event will be Bahrain, Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, and UAE.

donor when weak finances in par tner countries required a trillion-dollar rescue package. Europe’s biggest economy might have to pony up again if Portugal and Spain issue distress calls following those from Greece and Ireland last year.

Germany ’s economic strength also stems from prudent fiscal management, which includes a 2009 debt brake law aimed at slashing the public deficit by 2016.

For average Germans, sacrifices have included wage stagnation, deregulated labor markets and higher sales taxes, and many resent having to pay now for profligate policies elsewhere. “This is problematic, there is no doubt about that,” Tuchtfeld said. Polls for public televisions ZDF and ARD have found 62 percent of Germans opposed more support for euro-zone partners, but an overwhelming majority of 88 percent agreed that a stable euro-zone was in Germany’s interest.

An icon of German stability is the national pension plan introduced in 1889 by Otto von Bismarck, Mueller said. That system is now crumbling however, in part because of the country’s low birthrate.

“The stability and safety that we were promised is vanishing,” Mueller said. “This makes us probably more sensitive to what happens with money and security and stability.” —AFP Polleit, who is alarmed by soaring euro-zone debt levels, said: “To make the ‘rescue measures’ work, Merkel must make a convincing case for Germany’s special role in and responsibility for the European integration process.

“That may not be an easy thing to do.” Mueller said Germans had ambivalent feelings about taking the lead, including fear stemming from the country’s role in World War II. “It would be helpful to let go of this fear and this concept of not being allowed to be one of the leaders in Europe,” the psychologist suggested.

“We could take even more responsibility, in a good way,” she said. —AFP

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business

People find new niches in valley economy Jobless rate soars, cutbacks continue...

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ike too many people, Patrick and Jolene Corkwell lost their jobs in the faltering economy. Patrick, a former sheetmetal worker, and Jolene, a schoolteacher, decided not to wait out a recovery-they took their employment fate into their own hands and opened a hot-dog cart business at Vintage Faire Mall.

“It is fun, though it’s long hours,” said Patrick Corkwell, who mans the cart daily from mall opening to closing.

“But we get to meet new people. It’s a great way to reach out to the community.”

The Corkwells represent a bigger trend of people adjusting to what most experts agree is the new normalan economy that is far from recovering, though it’s showing signs of life.

Jeff Steves, general manager of Steves Chevrolet Buick in Oakdale, said he’s seen an uptick in business over the last month or so: “A very modest uptick. I’m cautiously optimistic, but I’m not shooting off the rockets yet.”

With unemployment in Stanislaus County at a sky-high 17.2 percent and cutbacks and layoffs continuing for the foreseeable future, particularly in the public sector, nobody else is celebrating, either. But some longtime business owners said they foresee steadiness, if not immediate improvement, as 2011 opens. “Two or three years ago there was so much instability as far as banking and everything,” said Richard Doo of Turlock, who owns Liberty Markets in Delhi and Livingston. “Nobody knew where anybody stood. You didn’t know how far down the stock market would go or how much you really had to save.”

Now, he said, many people who feared foreclosure or job loss have endured it. “There’s more stability as far as the downside is now probably over, so people are aware of exactly where their position is now.”

Longtime Realtor Bob Endsley agreed. “I’m pretty certain that at least in our area we’ve hit the bottom,” he said.

“Not that we’re going to bounce back big.”

Endsley had a rough 2010, selling his company to former competitor Century 21 M&M and Associates. But he said the deal has worked out well, and he is enjoying his work again as a broker and director of community rela-

The Silicon Valley location of Silicon Graphics, Inc is viewed from the air in Mountain View, California. tionships for the company. With 30 years in real estate, the ups and downs of the business came as no surprise to Endsley. What he didn’t expect, he said, was how long the most recent recession would last-far longer than two others he’s endured.

He said that people-himself included-are no longer waiting to ride out the worst of the economy and instead are adapting to the long-term reality.

“We’re learning frugality,” he said. “We got used to our

adult toys and now we realize we’re not entitled to them.”

Out at Smith Chevrolet, co-owner Lee Smith said his business is also changing to better meet the needs of its customers. Smith expanded its service department to handle all makes of vehicles.

“We’ve had to expand our knowledge and training to include Ford and Chrysler and imports,” he said. “If you’re not buying a new car, you’re getting the old one serviced.”

In sales, Smith also reported a stronger December than

recent months, mainly from customers who at last feel comfortable making a bid purchase.

“Our trade-ins are old,” he said. “These are people who just finally decide they’ve got to get a new car.” All that adapting has translated into more good news at Smith: the company is hiring. “I hired a new salesman and a new technician,” said Smith, who is fairly certain the new year will bring new jobs.

Patrick Corkwell said he wouldn’t mind hiring some people for his Dog Bites vending cart outside the mall’s Village shops. The only days off he’s had since opening the week before Thanksgiving were caused by rain.

“It was nice to have the days off, but we didn’t make any money,” he said. Though business has been strong, Corkwell said he realizes that the holiday shopping season brings in crowds he won’t see in Januar y and February. Still, he’s hopeful that his stand will make Nathan’s hot dogs as popular on the West Coast as they are in the east.

“We’ve been here long enough that we’ve started to establish a customer base,” he said. “I’ve got people coming from Stockton and Turlock to get a hot dog.”

At Liberty, Doo said he’s responded to customer needs, ensuring smaller packages of bread, soda and the like are available at the end of the month, when money tends to be tight.

“We’re fortunate to be in the food business,” he said.

“People have to eat. But we’re catering more to our customer bases.” Looking ahead, Endsley said he’s interested to see what happens now. He sees opportunity for thoughtful, regional planning as opposed to the breakneck growth many areas experienced a few years ago.

He said by focusing on areas such as renewable energy and in-fill construction to protect precious farmland, the Central Valley is in a position to recover-slowly and thoughtfully.

“Making sure we protect the most fertile valley in the world from my point of view is critically important,” he said. “I feel optimistic that a year from now we’re at least going to be able to take on future planning and be confident in it.” —MCT

Spanish crisis dashes immigrants’ dream Some are embarrassed to return others are indebted

India’s drive to ramp up solar capacity may trigger a stampede of firms from Asia, Europe and North America.

Foreign firms look to boost solar power presence in India MORABANDAR, India: The Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the coast of India’s financial capital Mumbai, draw hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

But when the last of the wooden ferry boats leaves at nightfall for the mainland 14 kilometres (8.5 miles) away, the villagers who live permanently on the island are plunged into darkness.

A new scheme, launched last month by an Australian firm, aims to change that, providing three villages with round-the-clock electricity for the first time by harnessing power from the country’s most abundant energy sourcesunshine. The initiative by the Sydney-based Solar-Gem to run LED lamps from panels that soak up the sun’s rays and store them as electricity in battery units comes as domestic and foreign firms look to India as a growth market for renewable energy.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said he wants the country to become a world leader in the sector, not just to cut a crippling energy deficit that could hinder development but for security of supply and to tackle climate change.

Government figures from the end of November showed that highly-polluting coal accounted for nearly 55 percent of India’s total energy production. Renewable energy, most of it from wind power, provides 10 percent. Solar energy use is negligible.

Now India’s National Solar Mission aims to source 20,000 megawatts of electricity from solar power by 2022 — about 4,000 megawatts more than the current capacity provided by all forms of renewable energy.

The head of Solar-Gem, Khimji Vaghjiani, said solar power had “enormous scope” in India, as 80,000 villages have no electricity and plans for conventional power plants are often delayed over land or environmental concerns about pollution.

“Trying to distribute power is going to be very difficult (in India),” he told AFP before the launch on Monday

evening. “What do we do in the meantime where villagers are using kerosene and candles? We can put them (solar panels) into every household, moving them away from harmful kerosene and costly diesel.”

Indian companies likely to benefit from the focus on solar energy include Tata BP Solar-a tie-up between Tata Power and BP Solar, a subsidiary of the British oil giant-and Reliance Solar, part of the country’s largest private sector firm, Reliance Industries.

Foreign players are also sensing opportunities, as the price of solar power technology falls and overseas governments look to support India as it tries to switch from a reliance on fossil fuels to “clean” energy sources.

Solar-Gem, whose initiative is a jointly funded Australian-Indian project, said India could become a manufacturing hub for its technology while France’s Solairedirect last week announced plans to set up in the country.

Leading overseas solar technology firms, particularly in the United States, however, are said to be concerned about Indian restrictions on imports and believe they could hinder attempts to boost solar power production.

Manish Ram, from the energy and climate unit at environmental group Greenpeace, said the country’s solar energy target was “very feasible” and there was no reason why India, with its warm, sunny climate, could not generate more.

Investment in “off-grid” energy schemes such as that on Elephanta Island could be the way forward for hard-toreach rural areas, he said, as “the centralized system has failed to deliver” with power cuts widespread where supplies exist.

“Decentralized energy is definitely an option. But it should be done in the right way,” he said.

Local people could sell back surplus energy to the grid, he added, while the government should provide subsidies, as it does to the coal industry and as China has done, to offset the higher costs of solar units. —AFP

Saudi regulator fines Banque Saudi Fransi RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s financial regulator has slapped a $13,000 fine on major lender Banque Saudi Fransi for violating stock market disclosure rules, the watchdog said yesterday.

Fransi, in which France’s Calyon holds a minority stake, was fined 50,000 riyals ($13,330) for failing to swiftly disclose changes in its board, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) said in a statement on the bourse website.

Like others in the Gulf region, Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange has been dogged by allegations that it lacks transparency and is vulnerable to price manipulation.

But the bourse is gradually opening up to direct foreign ownership amid tough competition from regional bourses and over the past two years the CMA has stepped up efforts to clamp down on irregularities, imposing one jail sentence and revoking the licenses of dozens of brokerage firms for violations. —Reuters

MADRID: After losing her job as a maid several months ago, 26-year-old Magaly Baez is preparing to return to Paraguay with her husband, an unemployed waiter, and their nine-month-old baby. “ The plan had been to stay in Spain, bring over our children and obtain residency papers,” she said as she left a government-run soup kitchen set up by the regional government of Madrid specifically for immigrants.

Spanish visa rules deny renewal requests if immigrants become unemployed and fail to make social security payments. So without jobs the couple are no longer living legally in Spain, putting an end to their hopes of having their three other children to join them in the country.

Just three years after moving to Spain, the couple has decided to accept the offer to have their return trip home paid for by the Spanish government. Spain’s sharp economic downturn has put an end to the dream of a better life for tens of thousands of immigrants from Latin America like Baez who moved to the country over the past decade.

The country has 5.7 million immigrants, just over one-quarter of them from former Spanish colonies in Latin America, out of a total population of 47 million, up from around half a million in 1996.

Many were drawn to jobs in the construction sector, which collapsed when the bubble burst on Spain’s credit-fueled property market at the end of 2008, causing the unemployment rate to soar, especially amongst immigrants.

Spain’s jobless rate stands at around 20 percent for the general population but it is ten percentage points higher amongst immigrants, according to official data. Of all the member states of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development with a foreign population of at least ten percent, Spain has the highest immigrant unemployment rate.

Without steady jobs, many immigrants struggle to cover basic necessities. Baez said she earned some money babysitting or doing housecleaning but relied on charities like the soup kitchen to survive. “At the beginning I felt ashamed. But if it wasn’t for this, who knows what we would eat,” she said as she held bags of food provided by the soup kitchen to feed herself, her husband and her baby. —AFP

PAMPLONA: An immigrant worker buys a newspaper calling for a new general strike in Pamplona northern Spain, on Dec. 18, 2010.

Economic future depends on innovative approaches

I

ngenuity and innovation will be what leads us out of this recession. Whatcom County is lucky to have the new Innovation Resource Center, a privately created organization that aims to help entrepreneurs thrive in Whatcom County, particularly through accelerator programs that help find funding and support for new businesses.

We recently met with John Sechrest, the new executive director of the IRC, Diane Kamionka, one of the founders of the organization, and Debbie Ahl, chairman of the organization’s board. At the meeting Sechrest told us that he is excited about Whatcom County and sees “no shortage of opportunities” for new economic growth here. There is just one sticking point: Our community today is not the best place to be an innovator and entrepreneur.

To be sure, there are plenty of people who have started small businesses. Small business is the backbone of our economy.

But too many of our new business people are flying solo, without the support of the community and without a sense that Whatcom County residents are ready for and excited about something new, about what’s next. And too many people are starting businesses in known fields-like retail stores and construction firms, rather than pushing the envelope and starting something completely new.

“You want people to have a crazy idea and take the leap and do it,” Sechrest told us. “ The community as a whole has to engage in the culture of innovation.”

Our community is, surprisingly, the opposite. At an economic conference in December, Western Washington University economist Hart Hodges pointed out that our local economy almost exactly mirrors that of the economy in the Seattle metropolitan area-with close to the same percentages of workers in nearly every industry. We have a bit higher percentage of the work force in construction, education and government jobs, but for the most part our economy follows that of other nearby

economies.

Our editorial board has been talking for several years now about planning economically for “what is next.” But we see little recognition of that reality in the community-especially from our elected leaders, who haven’t had an effective plan for job growth. Nearly every community-wide effort at trying to organize economic development here has quietly faded into the background.

Perhaps the most obvious example that no one is thinking of the future is that the plan for revamping the Bellingham waterfront is still centered on building new offices and retail and housing-the basis for the last economic wave, not the next one.

So how do we do what Sechrest suggests and change the culture? Well, it’s important to note that while he is talking about an attitude, there are specific actions that can and should be taken.

Our community education centers should start educating people on how to be entrepreneurs. How do you do the books for a new business? How do you get the needed licenses? How do you go quickly from idea to sales? Where do you meet the people with money to pay to turn your idea into a business?

There needs to be a network of mentors too, people who have been there and done that. And big thinking needs to be encouraged. Sechrest is especially excited about the movement to have the local economy become self-reliant, with the recent push toward more sustainable and local businesses.

We don’t know if that’s the future. What we do know is that Sechrest is right in outlining our ills, and the need to change a negative into a positive. It can be done. We are encouraged that business leaders started the IRC and are hopeful that the efforts will be fruitful. Already there are two business accelerator programs in place: one focusing on renewable resources technology and the other on businesses that support elderly populations. —MCT

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business

Auto leaders of different stripes The changing fortunes of Detroit Three After several years of turbulence, the fate of the Detroit Three is now in the hands of two engineers-Ford CEO Alan Mulally and General Motors CEO Dan Akerson-and one lawyer, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne.

All are outsiders to their companies and new to the North American auto industry.

All came from different backgrounds. They’ve cultivated distinct

leadership styles, but face a common mandate: Keep the Detroit automakers on track.

Mulally, a former Boeing executive, arrived in 2006 with a turnaround plan already in progress and a simple, upbeat message that he circulated company-wide on laminated plastic cards: “One Ford.”

He’s received widespread praise for delivering sweeping cultural change,

in addition to the cost savings and product investment necessary to rescue an auto company. Now, the company is set to deliver $7 billion in profits with strong momentum in the new year.

Marchionne rode into Chrysler in 2009 as the company dove into bankruptcy. The shrewd negotiator snatched up the Auburn Hills automaker, as well as its established

dealership network, for a bargain. The seasoned leader of Italy’s Fiat found that what remained of the old Chrysler needed an overhaul. Even as he continued to lead Fiat as CEO, Marchionne restarted Chrysler’s product development system, working virtually ‘round the clock and sleeping on the plane between Detroit and Turin, Italy. He has more than a dozen upgraded or all-new vehicles to show for it.

Akerson joined GM’s board after it emerged from bankruptcy in 2009, and he took the helm of the profitable, largely cleaned-up company as CEO in August. Many hard decisions had already been made during the historic bankruptcy: Excess employees, plants and brands had already been cut.

A Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car was already in the offing.

Now, Akerson has to show what he-

and the new GM-stands for, and fix a few residual problems, such as GM Europe.

One thing is certain: Ford’s Mulally has a big head start on his crosstown rivals. Detroit CEOs set the tone at the top Detroit’s automakers have always been competitors.

But this year, the differences at the top of the companies couldn’t be more stark. —MCT

Dan Akerson

Solve problems, think bigger

DETROIT: Crowds of people attend the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan on January 17, 2010. —MCT

Marchionne

Finding deeper, complex meanings in business Marchionne is more of a philosopher king. In public, he minimizes jargon and management buzzwords. He is quick to cite contributions of others, but he can react defensively to criticism from outsiders.

Chrysler and Fiat are referred to as “this house,” a reference that sometimes comes across as “us-against-the-world,” even if the intent is to reinforce corporate cohesion and teamwork.

His voracious intellectual appetite extends beyond cars to classical music, Russian literature and opera. He didn’t always see himself as running a global manufacturer, according to a 2008 interview with CNBC’s Simon Hobbs.

“I star ted in theoretical physics, moved to philosophy, then business, then law,” Marchionne said.

An unflinching negotiator, Marchionne gained management control of Chrysler without spending a cent of Fiat’s shareholders’ money. Yet he’s come close to tearing up about the devotion of Chrysler employees, quoted Italian political philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli, waxed eloquent about jazz singer Bobby McFerrin and quoted former President Bill Clinton. Language is a crucial motivator in Marchionne’s toolbox. He chooses words carefully and writes nearly all of his speeches in a way that compels close listening.

For example, last spring, Marchionne delivered his rebuttal to those who argue that GM and Chr ysler should have been abandoned to the market’s forces of creative destruction. He began with an aggressive defense of the commitment and strategic foresight shown

by President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime M inister Stephen Harper.

“Creative reconstruction begins with the recognition of the fact that the former points of reference no longer exist and traditional assumptions about the financial system, the economy and consumer behavior have been completely swept away,” he said.

“Otherwise, we are destined to remain prisoners in Plato’s cave with our gaze fixed on old certainties that are only shadows of reality.”

Marchionne can get deep into details such as signing off on advertising campaigns, but he also conveys a sense of trust toward those he empow-

ers with clearly defined responsibility.

He draws frequently on strategies and tactics that worked at Fiat, without imposing the “this is how we did it” there imperative that overlooks cultural, personal and market differences. “ When you go through a turnaround, the process drastically and dramatically changes people’s lives,” he said. “Being a survivor is different. The way you look at life changes. You start enjoying things that a lot of people take for granted.”

Chrysler’s primary mission has been to reboot produc t development.

Beginning with last summer’s launch of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and continuing through the first quarter of 2011, Chrysler’s five brands, including the revived Fiat, are rolling out 16 new or refreshed models.

Equally important has been balancing production with demand. The goal is to sell vehicles for as close as possible to the sticker price. Quality remains a challenge, but the Consumer Reports and J.D. Power assessments of Chrysler’s new models won’t come for six months to a year. “ We’ve learned what not to do,” Marchionne said in November. “We are being incredibly careful about instituting any kind of incentive scheme.”

This year, he and Chief Financial Officer Richard Palmer are to concentrate on reducing debt and convincing international banks to lend to Chrysler at a much lower rate than the automaker is now paying the US and Canadian governments.

All this allows Marchionne to selectively grow Chrysler’s workforce, adding about 900 workers in February when it plans to resume a second shift at its Sterling Heights assembly plant. The automaker also is hiring about 1,000 engineers, primarily for its small and midsize car programs. Since exiting bankruptcy, Chrysler’s U.S. workforce has grown by more than 4,000, or slightly more than 10% of the jobs it shed in the five years leading up to bankruptcy. “ This is an industry that’s on the mend,” said Marchionne, when asked how much more hiring he anticipates in 2011. “Don’t ask me for specific numbers, but I don’t think we want to be excessively exuberant.” —MCT

Among the Detroit Three leaders, GM CEO Dan Akerson is the biggest unknown in his new role.

He was trained as an engineer at the US Naval Academy, but worked in telecommunications and private equity before he became GM’s CEO in September-the fourth at the automaker’s helm in a year and a half.

The first few months of Akerson’s tenure at GM were consumed by preparations for November’s initial public offering.

Now, he has turned his attention to continuing to fix problems in product development and Europe. The way he sees it, the turnaround’s not over.

“We were in bankruptcy only 39 days,” he told the Economic Club of Washington last month.

“There is an element of the (GM) population that view it as a bad storm that passed.”

Akerson is already living up to his pre-GM reputation of requiring executives to find solutions, not continually list problems.

He is focusing most on GM’s product development and its money-losing European region, two people familiar with Akerson’s management style said. The plan for future vehicles is viewed as having some key holes, because of the strain on spending during GM’s pre-bankruptcy crisis.

Akerson is pressing executives to fill the holes more quickly than usual.

He’s also keen on making product development spending more efficient. For instance, Akerson told the Economic Club of Washington last month that GM has 18 types of engines. He plans to reduce that to eight or nine.

To check on problem areas, Akerson calls meetings in which he delivers his no-nonsense, all-hands-on-deck philosophy that germinated in his days in the Navy. He tells executives he has plenty of people telling him about GM’s problems, but he’s looking for someone to give him a solution.

“We’re building a culture that values speed, agility and competitiveness and that will continually adapt its business model to the rapidly changing world,” Akerson told the Washington

GM CEO Dan Akerson group.

“This may not seem revolutionary to you, but trust me. It is,” he said to laughter.

He has challenged his direct reports to finalize a plan to implement if oil reaches $120 a barrel next year, or during any good sales year.

Crude oil is currently trading at $90 a barrel. If that happens, he said, GM’s strategy has to center on efficient propulsion, not necessarily cars’ designs.

Akerson also is challenging GM executives to think bigger in leveraging the Chevrolet Volt and to find ways to sell more.

GM said that it will build 10,000 by the end of 2011 and at least 45,000 in 2012 for the U.S. At a late-November celebration of the Volt’s

production launch, Akerson said he has a gut feeling that demand will require additional Volts in 2012, so the company is studying ways to double or triple production. The plant is currently running on only one shift, when many of GM’s North American plants are using three shifts.

Compared with his crosstown peers, Akerson’s style appears to be less rhetorical than Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne’s, but more complex than Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally’s. In public, he routinely focuses on GM’s new business model, with its lower incentives and higher residual values, leadership in emerging markets and smaller debt. Still, he’s not above calling the Toyota Prius the “geek-mobile” or choking up when talking about his wife.

Alan Mulally

Keep it simple with ‘One Ford’ Mulally uses an upbeat style to repeatedly sell his message to anyone who will listen.

In speeches and interviews, Mulally talks about his “laser focus” on the “One Ford” plan. It’s a message he has stuck to for more than four years now, since he arrived from Boeing in 2006, where he had a 37-year career.

Mulally said he has been inspired by Henry Ford’s vision to “open the highways to all mankind.” He sees a unified global Ford that sells affordable vehicles from the US to China to India and beyond.

Internally, he’s a coach, whose emphasis on collaboration has created a teamwork atmosphere, where backstabbing and ladder-climbing once reigned. “It’s all about skilled and motivated people working together. ...

Everybody is on the team,” Mulally told the Free Press in a recent interview.

Mulally’s Thursday management meetings are near legend at Ford now.

The progress of each corporate function is closely monitored by the group.

Unlike many CEOs who usher in their own management team, Mulally kept most of Ford’s top executives in place when he arrived. He gave many of them global management roles designed to broaden their skills and reshape Ford into a single company rather than a set of regional companies. “I am very pleased with the development of our entire leadership team-

Alan Mulally poses against a Taurus not only the breadth of it but also the depth of it,” Mulally told the Free Press in a recent interview.

Derrick Kuzak, for example, was given global product development duties in December 2006 and remains in that role. Jim Farley, hired as group vice president of marketing and communications in 2007, now also has global sales responsibilities. Few high-level executives have left under Mulally, a

reversal of the trend at Ford before he arrived. “It’s the same cast of characters, by and large,” said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford. “A lot of them have different jobs, but most of the people have been with the company for quite awhile.”

Mulally also benefits from a close bond with Bill Ford, great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford. Ford said the two like to bounce back and

forth into each other’s offices and discuss ideas. “Our styles are very similar.

We are both very informal,” Ford said.

“You’ve heard the phrase, ‘It’s lonely at the top’? Frankly, there is a lot of truth in that. Because when you are CEO, you can’t let your hair down around almost anybody. You can’t admit to fears or moments of weakness or indecision.

But he and I can have those discussions.” — MCT

Beijing launches car quota to counter gridlock

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne

BEIJING: For thousands of hopeful commuters in China’s capital, 2011 started with a click, not a bang. Residents hoping to snap up Beijing car license plate numbers under a new quota system aimed at easing paralyzing traffic logged onto a website that launched in the first moments of the new year. Within 10 minutes, 6,000 people had applied for new plate numbers, the Beijing Daily newspaper reported.

By 5 p.m., more than 53,000 applications had been submitted online, the official Xinhua News Agency said. The applicants are competing for the first batch of 20,000 plates, which are to be awarded by lottery on Jan 25. Every month a new batch of plates will become available. The new system aims to reduce the number of cars in the notoriously gridlocked capital. The city will only allow 240,000 new car registrations in 2011 — two-thirds less than last year — and is

parceling them out through the monthly online lottery.

The city now has 4.76 million vehicles, up from 2.6 million in 2005. A global survey conducted last year by IBM said Beijing is tied with Mexico City for the world’s worst commute.

Worries are growing that Beijing is choking itself for future growth as it gets more difficult to move people and goods around the city.

Nearly 70 percent of Beijing drivers told the IBM survey they had run into traffic so bad they’ve turned around and gone home.

Some netizens have joked that the new system won’t bring much relief and have mocked the web address, www.bjhjyd.com, which stands for “Beijing Huanjie Yongdu,” or “Beijing Eases Congestion.” Some say the same letters could also be short for “Beijing Haiyao Yongdu” or “Beijing Will Still Be Gridlocked.” —AP

BEIJING: Beijing city now has 4.76 million vehicles, up from 2.6 million in 2005. A global survey conducted last year by IBM said Beijing is tied with Mexico City for the world’s worst commute.

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Years

BUSINESS

US construction workers face stark choices in 2011 Housing industry in ferment

DENVER: A maintenance crew works on a building in downtown Denver, Colorado. A year after the housing crisis, experts believe a similar crisis awaits commercial real estate as mortgages begin to go bad. — MCT

US housing recovery appears years away Experts discuss prospects of a recovery Las Vegas has been stricken by an unfathomable number of home foreclosures. Most of the surviving homeowners owe more on their homes than they ’re worth in today’s marketplace. Young families that thought they were buying homes on the cheap two or three years ago are now finding that they, too, are underwater.

On the other hand, this is all good news for buyers looking for incredible deals. What’s in store for us in 2011? The Sun on Dec. 22 gathered four real estate and housing experts to talk about what’s next.

Not surprisingly, they didn’t agree. Joining us for a Sunday conversation were Dennis Smith, president of Home Builders Research; Steve Bottfeld, executive vice president of Marketing Solutions; Richard Plaster, founder of Signature Homes, and Mark Stark, owner of Prudential Americana real estate brokerage.

What are we looking at with sales of existing homes in 2011? Will they match 2010 or be greater?

Dennis Smith: Anyone who thinks there’s going to be an increase in sales, I don’t know how that’s going to happen. We are not going to get any more artificial stimulus from the federal government.

Richard Plaster: Or stimulus from lower interest rates. Smith: What I have read suggests interest rates are only going to go in one direction and that’s up. I haven’t seen or heard anything that says interest

rates are going to go down.

Whatever number we end up at this year (in 2010), put it in for next year, and I don’t think we will be off 5 percent one way or another in resales.

Mark Stark: The last four months of the year back up what you are saying. Units have already come down in 2010 versus 2009. You have already seen a reduction, and pretty dramatic reduction, in the last four months in closed resale units.

Does anybody see 2011 sales being higher?

Smith: It could happen if Fannie (Mae) and Freddie (Mac) release the inventory that they tell me they’re going to do and release 20,000 houses or 10,000 houses. Do I think it’s going to happen? No. I don’t think they have the staff to do it. If they release 5,000 houses, they could be sold in five or six months.

Plaster: If the number of units became greater, what would happen to the price level?

Smith: We are not at the prices, yet. We are still at the number.

Plaster: But they do interact.

Steve Bottfeld: That’s the point I wanted to get at. We had a $115,000 median price for all existing homes for the month of November. If you break it down by foreclosures and short sales, which was up around $125,000 and nondistressed properties were around $123,000. We are looking at short sales maybe pushing up prices, but the key here is that Las Vegas is the lowest-priced major

market in the United States. Ask yourself this question: If I’m an investor, where am I going to put my money and how long will it take Las Vegas to come back?

Does that mean you think sales and prices will increase in 2011?

Bottfeld: No. What it means there is the potential for prices to increase. I think sales will remain where we are at now.

Smith: I don’t think (prices are) going to go down much lower on the resale end. On the new-home segment if we are comparing yearto-year prices-I said it earlier this year and I got criticized for it-I think we will see another small increase in the price of new-home sales.

Stark: I put no change for 2011 when I put my budget in to Prudential.

Plaster: I’m more pessimistic.

People ask if this is a good time to buy a house and in retrospect probably four months ago was because what has happened with affordability in terms of interest rates-up about three-quarters of a point from the bottom. That’s going to be a strong headwind. I don’t know what percentage of sales are cash, but there’s only so much cash out there.

Stark: Forty-six percent were cash sales.

Plaster: I am one of those buyers. I buy them to flip, but we also have some we buy for investment purposes. It sounds great getting a 10 to 12 percent return, but if the value of your price has fallen 5 percent, all that return for that year has

As many as half a million people could lose their homes as adjustable mortgage rates rise over the next two years. (File photo) —AFP

disappeared, so what you are having to bet on is when will the prices come up. I fervently believe that prices are now below our stabilized level by an order of magnitude of 20 percent. But I have to say if I have to choose if we were to meet at this time next year, my sense is the price level has a greater chance of being lower than higher in Las Vegas.

Are foreclosures going to continue at the same level in 2011?

Smith: The foreclosures in 2011, according to what they’re hoping for, is that there will be an increased level of inventory of distressed properties. As for short sales, I still have my doubts on them. I know they have improved, but improved from what? Nothing.

Bottfeld: But that doesn’t happen in all cases.

Dennis: The key here is that next year is going to be a short sale year and not a foreclosure year. For the first time, we are going to see more short sales in 2011 than we will see foreclosures.

Smith: How many short sales turn into foreclosures?

Bottfeld: That’s a good question.

I don’t think anybody has an answer for it. But the issue becomes, I think, banks have finally figured out that they make a heck of a lot more money on a short sale.

Smith: You are giving the banks a lot more credit than a lot of people do.

Stark: Here’s the problem with that. There’s so much behind the scenes. We’re doing successful short sales and the majority of those worked out where it was clearly in the benefit of the consumer. You’ve got to remember that being broke is a power ful thing. You want to have power?

Have no money. They say, “Go ahead, come after me.” They have a lot of power. (Laughter.) You have got people who look and say, “This is the deal. You can come back at me. I am just trying to do it the right way. I’m a good person, but I am not going to do something that makes no financial sense for me and bind myself for the next six years.”

Plaster: You have hit something there that we should take in. You know that a huge proportion of people are underwater with their houses in Las Vegas. It’s a learning curve and unless they convince themselves that there’s going to be a bounce of some price level at some predictable time, more and more of these people are going to say, “I am just working for the bank,” and they are going to walk. The strategic default hasn’t happened that much, but the longer this goes on with the price level not changing, these people don’t care. —MCT

At his Christmas Day garage sale in Escondido, carpenter John Cline priced his band saw at $100.

“I’ve gotta move,” he said.

“This economy put me out of house and home.” Cline, 58 and single, was selling all his power tools, as well as furniture and carpets-anything he couldn’t fit in his car when he planned to clear out of San Diego County for good on New Year’s Eve. After eight years of plenty in what seemed an endless local construction boom, Cline’s fortunes reversed in 2007, when building activity in the region ground to a halt and he suddenly couldn’t make a living.

In the space of three years, he lost his business and his house in Valley Center-a friend hosted his Escondido garage sale-and the time had come to find a new place and a new line of work.

But he had to put together some money to leave. He sat in that garage on Dec 11, and then he was rained out on Dec. 18, which forced him to sell on Christmas. “I made $450 two weeks ago, and $100 today,” he said. “Now I have my car insurance covered, and I get to eat tonight.”

What was for most of the country an 18-month recession, followed by a sluggish recovery, has been an unrelenting depression for the construction industry.

While a few contractors and workers cling to economic lifelines thrown by government construction projects, others are struggling along without work, or with fewer hours at lower wages. Many spend their days hunting for jobs that may never come back.

Scot Sandstrom once built 555 houses in a year as the San Diego and Southwest Riverside counties division chief for Richmond America Homes. In 2010, he built eight as an independent contractor, and he knows he fared better than most.

“It’s devastating,” Sandstrom said. “I get calls on the magnitude of 20 a week (from people) looking for jobs. I know people at all levels of the industry, from guys in the field to executives, who have been unemployed for two years. Home loss, job loss, personal tolls to marriages, kids they can’t send to college anymore; I’ve heard every story. It’s touched everyone in my industry.” Construction helped propel San Diego and Riverside counties to massive economic growth between 1996 and 2007. Thanks to easy loans and demand for mortgages from the financial markets, buying houses became easier than ever.

Consumers bid up prices, and values escalated, causing some consumers to buy houses as investments, driving demand to a frenzy.

Prices skyrocketed, and builders put up houses as fast as they could.

From 1993 to its peak in 2005, construction spending rose sevenfold in Riverside County to $8.1 billion, according to the Construction Industry Research Board, an industry nonprofit. In San Diego County, construction spending tripled between 1993 and 2004, when it peaked at $5.1 billion.

Builders suddenly became desperate for skilled workers and pretty much anyone else who could swing a hammer: Between 1994 and 2006, construction employment more than doubled to 94,400 workers in San Diego County, and more than tripled to 133,700 workers in Riverside County, according to seasonally adjusted data from Beacon Economics.

A dozen years of sustained growth built a robust industry of workers who only knew good times, especially in the north and east sections of San Diego County, and Southwest Riverside, Sandstrom said. —MCT

California fuel sales rise as economy picks up California gasoline consumption rose slightly in the third quarter of 2010 in yet another sign that economic activity began picking up during the summer.

With demand for gasoline rising, fuel prices at the pump in San Diego County have jumped 11 percent during the fourth quarter, which ran from Oct. 1 to Dec. 30.

Part of the bullish movement in retail prices comes as global demand for oil has increased while supplies have fallen, according to a spokeswoman with the Automobile Club of Southern California.

“There’s more going on in terms of economic activity,” said Marie Montgomery Nordhues, a spokeswoman with the Costa Mesa-based automobile club.

The jump in prices has some local businesses seeing red. “It’s hard,” said Morris Rize, a dispatcher with Escondido Taxi Cab, and who manages four cabs. His company plans to file for a rate increase next month.

The company charges $2.60 a mile but wants to increase that by a dime because of rising fuel costs, Rize said. “Ten cents is very minor for the traveler” to absorb, he said.

“Everybody is complaining,” said Joe Jaebarpour, a driver with Escondido AM/PM Cab Co. His company charges $3 a mile, and last raised prices by 40 cents a mile in 2009. “Profit margins aren’t good,” he said. Is a rate increase in the works?

“No, it could backfire on you,” Jaebarpour said. The state’s Board of Equalization, which tracks excise taxes collected on gallons of fuel sold at the pump, said Thursday that gasoline consumption increased 0.8 percent in the third quarter, which ended Sept. 30, as Californians consumed 3.8 billion gallons.

That compared with 3.77 billion gallons consumed in the same year-earlier period.

Diesel consumption increased 0.2 percent in September compared with last year.

Gasoline consumption began dipping significantly in 2006 but has shown moderate growth since the 2010 second quarter ended June 30, according to the state board.

Analysts say that consumption fell because of the emergence of fuel-efficient automobiles and a difficult economy that pushed unemployment past 12 percent in California. —MCT

US housing prices find a new bottom The Great Recession fading?

Is the Great Recession fading? Not in the housing market. Housing prices in Miami and Tampa hit their lowest levels since the cascade started in 2006, according to Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller index, which tracks housing in 20 major metro areas.

“There is no good news in October’s report,” David M. Blitzer, chairman of Standard & Poor’s Index Committee. “The tax incentives are over and the national economy remained lackluster.”

It’s the same here in Highlands County, said two real estate agents who track housing statistics. “Prices have been falling about 1 percent a month,” said Eve Fay, an agent with MIDFLORIDA Real Estate Sales in Lake Placid.

One reason: too much inventory. There are 1,052 single family homes for sale in Sebring, Lake Placid and Avon Park. In the past six months, 516 have sold, she said.

That means those cities have a one-year inventory.

“When we get that down to six months, home prices will start going up again,” Fay said. A second reason: when the $8,000 home buyer tax credit expired April, said RE/MAX Realty Plus II agent Steve Fruit, sales also fell off.

Everyone knows the story: In 2002, the Highlands County median home price was $70,000. That zoomed to $169,000 in 2006, and then fell to $85,000

by Sept. 20, 2010, according to a graphic produced by Fruit. Statewide, the median home price last month was $132,700.

Everyone wants to know when prices will reach the bottom. “I hate to be a nattering nabob of negativity, but I think it’s disingenuous for the real estate industry to keep predicting recoveries that don’t happen,” Fruit said. “I think we may not see the bottom until 2013. I think we will continue to go down until those foreclosures are out of here.”

That’s the third reason why prices keep falling: from 1997 through 2002, foreclosures averaged 300 per year. By 2006, that number doubled. In 2008, there were 1,291, and 1,508 in 2009.

However, the most recent numbers from Bob Germaine in the Highlands County Clerk of Court’s office show that foreclosures this year may not top 1,000.

“These are the best numbers we’ve had in three years,” Germaine said two weeks ago.

Fay thinks foreclosures may have declined because major lenders like Bank of America have a moratorium, which may not last much longer.

“If January, February and March numbers are still lower, we may be climbing out,” she said. “But I suspect there are going to be quite a lot.”

Winter months produce seasonal variations, Fruit said. “Sales go up when the snowbirds are down here, then they go back down, and then they go back up in the summer when people start buying waterfront properties.”

Fay calls those months “spikes of happiness.” In particular, January is when two-bedroom houses under $100,000 have the best chance of selling.

Sellers should be ready: “There are a lot of dead plants from the winter. Freshen up. Put some pretty flowers in the pots out front. Talk with your realtor and revise the price. If it doesn’t get sold by March, there may be a long waiting period.”

Don’t wait for prices to bottom before buying, Fruit advised. “It makes as much sense as timing the top of the market in 2006. If you need to sell your home, sell it. If you need to buy a home, buy it. We may not see interest rates like this again in my lifetime.” — MCT

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MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

TECHNOLOGY

European debt crisis a boon for British blogger LES ESCUALES, Spain: When British economist Edward Hugh set up a blog that repeatedly predicted the euro could not survive, few people took notice. Not anymore. With the European single currency facing its greatest challenge since it entered into general circulation in 2002 in the wake of the bailouts of eurozone members Greece and Ireland, his posts are now read by thousands of bankers, financial analysts and other policymakers around the world. The 62-year-old is regularly invited to speak at economic conferences across the continent and the International Monetary Fund asked him to fly to Madrid in April to give his input on the state of the Spanish economy.

He is also among those advising the new president of the regional government of Catalonia, Artur Mas, whose moderate nationalist party, the Convergence and Union, won elections in the northeastern Spanish region last month.”I always thought it would lead somewhere, where it would lead I didn’t know,” he said as he sat by the fireplace at the stone house he shares with two friends in the village of Les Escuales near Figueres in northeastern Spain. His core argument is that European nations will struggle to pay for their generous pension and health services as their populations age and that the 17-nation eurozone lacks the institutional and fiscal tools to ensure the economies of member states converge as is needed for monetary union to work.

“The two problems are now coinciding and financial markets are more aware of this than before,” said Hugh, who has a masters degree in communication technologies from Manchester University and who studied at the London School of Economics but has earned a living mainly by giving private English lessons. Borrowing costs for several debt-laden eurozone nations, including Spain, Portugal and Italy, have risen in recent weeks due to doubts over their ability to pay back their loans, raising questions over the future of the euro. “Intellectually I feel vindicated,” said Hugh, who launched the blog called “A Fistful of Euros” in September 2003 to share his ideas with others. “The crunch time is now. I think financial markets will just continue to put pressure until the whole project falls apart if nobody reacts.”

To relieve pressure on the euro, the European Central Bank should buy govern-

ment debt on a greater scale, the way the US Federal Reserve is doing, and weaker countries should be allowed to pool their credit standing with the strong through the creation of joint eurozone bonds, he added.

Hugh said another way the debt crisis could unfold is that Germany, Europe’s largest economy, could decide to leave the euro area, which would push down the value of the single currency and boost the economic competitiveness of the weaker nations that stayed behind. Born in Liverpool, he moved to Catalonia in 1990 in search of a milder climate, settling in Barcelona where he could find enough work teaching English to support himself as he pursued his passion for reading.

His eclectic intellectual interests, from philosophy to sociology to science, prevented him from completing his degree at the London School of Economics. He says one of his professors at Manchester University once described him as “thief” for accepting a doctoral grant while spending his time reading the books and attending the courses that interested him.

Hugh still teaches 10 students in Barcelona, where he spends several days each week. As he does not own a car, he makes the roughly 120-kilometre trip from his home in Les Escuales to the Catalan capital by bus and train. He said running and updating the blog helps him to order his thoughts. The blog is read by 5,000-10,000 people, Hugh estimated. The Facebook page he opened in July 2009, which he updates more regularly with short comments on breaking economic news, provides him with a forum to debate his ideas with other economic thinkers, he added.

His page already has 5,000 “friends”, the maximum allowed, and over 2,500 users of the social networking site have clicked that they “like” his page, allowing them to follow his posts. Hugh said he has turned down offers from financial analysts to provide exclusive research because he does not want his views monopolized by any one entity.

But he recently accepted a post on the board of regional savings bank Catalunya Caixa and is a frequent guest on Catalan television shows. “During all the years during the boom when everyone was doing well, I wasn’t doing anything especial. Now I am,” he said.-AFP

DAEGU : This handout photo taken on December 27, 2010 shows an English-teaching robot , “Engkey”, standing in front of children at an elementary school in Daegu.—AFP

Replacing human teachers with robots is not the aim S Korea schools get robot English teachers SEOUL: Almost 30 robots have started teaching English to youngsters in a South Korean city, education officials said, in a pilot project designed to nurture the nascent robot industry. Engkey, a white, egg-shaped robot developed by the Korea Institute of Science of Technology (KIST), began taking classes at 21 elementary schools in the southeastern city of Daegu. The 29 robots, about one meter (3.3 feet) high with a TV display panel for a face, wheeled around the classroom while speaking to the students, reading books to them and dancing to music by moving their head and arms. The robots, which display an avatar face of a Caucasian woman, are controlled remotely by teachers of English in the Philippines-who can see and

hear the children via a remote control system. Cameras detect the Filipino teachers’ facial expressions and instantly reflect them on the avatar’s face, said Sagong SeongDae, a senior scientist at KIST. “Welleducated, experienced Filipino teachers are far cheaper than their counterparts elsewhere, including South Korea,” he told AFP. Apart from reading books, the robots use preprogrammed software to sing songs and play alphabet games with the children. “The kids seemed to love it since the robots look, well, cute and interesting. But some adults also expressed interest, saying they may feel less nervous talking to robots than a real person,” said Kim MiYoung, an official at Daegu city education office.

Kim said some may be sent to remote rural areas of South Korea shunned by foreign English teachers.

She said the robots are still being tested. But officials might consider hiring them full time if scientists upgrade them and make them easier to handle and more affordable.

“Having robots in the classroom makes the students more active in participating, especially shy ones afraid of speaking out to human teachers,” Kim said.

She stressed the experiment was not about replacing human teachers with robots. “We are helping upgrade a key, strategic industry and all the while giving children more interest in what they learn.” The four-month pilot program was sponsored by the government, which invested 1.58 billion

won (1.37 million dollars).

Scientists have held pilot programs in schools since 2009 to develop robots to teach English, maths, science and other subjects at different levels with a desired price tag of five to eight million won. Sagong stressed that the robots, which currently cost 10 million won each, largely back up human teachers but would eventually have a bigger role. The machines can be an efficient tool to hone language skills for many people who feel nervous about conversing with flesh-andblood foreigners, he said. “Plus, they won’t complain about health insurance, sick leave and severance package, or leave in three months for a better-paying job in Japan... all you need is a repair and upgrade every once in a while.”—AFP

China cracks down on Internet phone services SAN FRANCISCO: The iPad launched in April by Apple became the must-have device of 2010.—AFP

Tablet computers come of age with iPad mania SAN FRANCISCO: Yearning for an Internetlinked gadget bigger than a smartphone but smaller than a laptop merged with always-connected lifestyles to make tablet computing a defining trend for 2010. The iPad launched in April by Apple became the must-have device of the year and has rivals intent on dethroning the culture-shifting California company before it can lock in the market the way iPods became the ruling MP3 players.

“Apple nailed it and made tablet computers a success,” said Gartner analyst Ken Dulaney. “There are going to be a lot of people trying to beat them but it will turn out like iPods; everybody wants one.” Internet Age lifestyles set the stage for the rock star debut of a tablet computer done right, according to Forrester Research analyst Sarah Rotman Epps. Work weeks have grown steadily longer with the proliferation of gadgets keeping people connected to bosses and offices nights and weekends.

“Consumers are working all the time, have less leisure time and less money to spend but still want to maximize enjoyment they get out of life,” Rotman Epps told AFP. “Tablets fill that demand for devices that fill those in-between moments and minimize your unconnected time,” she said. Forrester data shows that 26 percent of US consumers who bought iPads use the tablets for work as well as personal purposes. The top spot for using an iPad is the living room, with the bedroom being the second most common, according to Forrester.

“People are using tablets to read the Wall Street Journal or watch TV in bed,” Rotman Epps said. “It is replacing, in some circumstances, laptop computers, television and print media.” Apple benefited by focusing on regular people instead of businesses, adding its hip cache and having real-world stores where people could try iPads before committing to buying devices, according to Rotman Epps. “Apple cracked the market that others had struggled with for years,” said Gartner analyst Michael Gartenberg.

Research shows that owners of the Apple tablets consume more video, news and other content online than other people do.

Some analysts expect iPad sales will blast past the 10 million mark this month, if they haven’t already, and competitors are hitting the market with their own tablets or have announced plans to do so. Samsung said its Galaxy Tab, which is powered by Google’s Android software, has sold one million units, Microsoft considers tablets a “priority” and Blackberry maker Research in Motion plans one next year named the PlayBook.

Forrester predicted that by 2015, the number of US consumers using tablet computers will be 75 million, more than netbook users but less than the number of people using smartphones or laptops. The tablet trend will put downward pressure on laptop computer prices, based on Forrester research indicating consumers think it’s not worth paying a lot more to get a laptop instead of a tablet. “Tablets really changed consumer thinking about mobile computing and the industry’s thinking,” said Forrester analyst Charles Golvin. Analysts said the other big consumer electronics stories of the year were the continued growth of smartphones and Microsoft’s Kinect, the Xbox 360 videogame console that players control using gestures and spoken commands.

Microsoft said it sold more than 2.5 million Kinects for Xbox 360 devices worldwide in the 25 days after they hit the market.

Google, meanwhile, said more than 300,000 smartphones running its Android software are activated daily as it builds momentum in the hot mobile market. According to research firm Gartner, Finland’s Nokia sold 29.5 million smartphones during the third quarter of the year for a 36.6 percent share of the worldwide market, down from 44.6 percent a year ago.

Sales of Android-powered smartphones soared to 20.5 million units, giving the Android platform a 25.5 percent market share, up from just 3.5 percent a year ago, Gartner said. Apple’s iPhone was next on sales of 13.5 million units followed by Canada’s Research In Motion, maker of the BlackBerry, with sales of 11.9 million units and Microsoft’s Windows Mobile with sales of 2.2 million units.—AFP

BEIJING: China has pledged to restrict Internet phone services-a move that could affect thousands of businesses and individuals making cheap calls via web-based communications companies such as Skype. “We are carrying out with relevant authorities a campaign to crack down on illegal Voice over Internet Protocol phone services”, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said in a circular posted online earlier this month. In the brief notice, which did not offer details on the crackdown or a timetable for shutting down ‘illegal’ services, the ministry listed a telephone hotline for citizens to report any violations.

The ministry declined immediate comment when asked for clarification of the policy by AFP on Thursday. The Beijing Morning Post on Thursday however quoted vice-minister Xi Guohua as saying only state-owned major Chinese telecommunications operators were licensed to provide Internet phone services linking telephones and computers. Xi said communications between computers (PCto-PC) remain open to all service providers in China, which has the world’s biggest Internet population at 450 million.

That means some PC-tophone services provided by firms including Skype, which are popular in China due to their low rates as compared with those of the country’s major telecoms firms, could be banned under the ministry’s new rules. For example, Skype users pay just 0.19 yuan (three cents) per minute to call a landline number in the United States, while the same call on China Unicom would cost at least 2.4 yuan per minute.

UUCall, a homegrown Skypelike service which calls itself “the first Chinese Internet phone brand”, was shut down in October 2009 on suspicion of operating illegal web phone

services, the report said.

It resumed business in February after moving its domain name to Hong Kong, it added. Xi said China Telecom and China Unicom had licences to provide PC-tophone services in four cities on a trial basis. He added the government was considering an expansion of the program.

Critics said the government move was meant to protect state-owned telecom operators, who are reluctant to promote the cheap service because it will marginalize their existing-lucrative-international call services.

“Overall this is to take further strong measures to protect the interests of stateowned monopolies,” Kan Kaili, a professor at the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, told AFP. Such policies “clearly hurt consumers’ interests and can easily spark public anger,” he said. On web portal Netease.com, users were already starting to complain, in comments posted under a report on the MIIT regulations. “What benefits people is not legal. I really want to curse out loud,” one angry user said. The move may also be aimed at stemming phone scams under which thieves use web-based phone services to defraud consumers, changing the call origin number to pose as bankers, police or government officials, some Chinese reports said. Kan speculated that the government also could be attempting to block VoIP services such as Skype that are difficult to monitor due to their high encryption levels. Officials at Skype, which was founded in 2003 and now has 23 million users worldwide, were not immediately available to comment on the issue. Skype-which channels voice, video and text conversations over the Internet-was hit by a major outage last week that left millions of users unable to use the service, due to technical problems.—AFP

BEIJING : Some PC-to-phone services provided by firms including Skype could be banned in China under the ministry’s new rules.—AFP

Most US Internet users have paid for content WASHINGTON: Nearly two-thirds of US Internet users have paid to download or access online content such as music, movies or news articles, a survey showed Thursday.

The Pew Research Center ’s Internet & American Life Project found 65 percent of those surveyed said they paid to access or download some content.

The survey offers some hope for the Internet as an economic cash generator despite the widespread perception that people only seek free content online. “ The Internet has become a viable distribution channel for a variety of online content, especially in the era of broadband,” the report said.

“The issue of people’s willingness to pay for online material has enormous implications for media companies, artistic creators, and others who are hoping to sustain themselves — or grow new businesses — by raising revenues through online purchases.” In the survey, 33 percent of Internet users have

paid for digital music online or software; 21 percent for apps for cell phones or tablet computers; 19 percent for digital games; 18 percent for digital newspaper, magazine, or journal articles; 16 percent for videos, movies, or TV shows: and 15 percent for ringtones. “What was really surprising was that the percentage of Internet users purchasing online content is nearly the same as those purchasing other products and services, such as books and travel,” noted Jim Jansen, the author of the Pew Internet report.

“Additionally, the range of online content that internet users purchase is quite varied.”

The survey included telephone interviews with 1,003 adults living in the continental United States, of whom 755 are Internet users. The survey found a correlation between income levels and paying for online content, with the users in higher-income bracket households more likely to pay for various kinds of content than those from lower-income brackets.—AFP

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MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

health & science

Sales of e-cigarettes rise, and so does criticism PARIS: Makers of electronic cigarettes are reporting strong growth in sales as anti-tobacco laws force European smokers into the cold streets, but campaigners say the device is undercutting health efforts. Spain joined yesterday the ranks of countries that have outlawed smoking in enclosed public space after a wave of similar legislation across Europe. For the makers of electronic cigarettes, which

simulate the sensation of a cigarette and can contain nicotine, the traditionally heavy smoking nation marks a potentially lucrative market for their much-criticised product.

“We have seen sales grow by 30 percent each year since 2007 when we launched our product,” said a spokesman for EdSylver, one of the leading manufacturers of the produc t invented in China in 2004.

Manufacturers such as EdSylver say the plastic cigarette is not harmful for the smoker or people around them, but this claim is rejected by health experts. At a World Health Organisation conference in Uruguay in November, one of its leading antitobacco experts Eduardo Bianco said electronic cigarettes “sabotaged smoking prevention efforts”, which were designed to encourage

people to quit.

The plastic cigarettes function as mini aerosols, releasing artificial smoke with or without nicotine. “I am very happy with it, I want to repeat the feeling of smoking, without the harm of nicotine,” said one Parisian user. Professor Yves Martinet, head of the French National Committee Against Tobacco, said the electronic cigarette was a rip-off. “This product

offers no medical support for quitting smoking, there are some countries that have banned it,” he said.

“For the moment, this product has not been evaluated in a scientific way,” he said.

The French national office for smoking prevention said the purpose of the electronic cigarette was “ambiguous”, and condemned its sale in pharmacies. The office said the

products were presented by manufacturers both as “an aid to quitting and a product which would allow smoking in enclosed spaces”. Tobacco sellers meanwhile reject manufacturers’ claims that sales of the device are taking off. “It doesn’t sell at all, some of our members still have stocks from last year,” said Gerard Bohelay, the head of an association of tobacco retailers in the French capital. —AFP

Spaniards stub out cigs as new law takes force Bars and restaurants go smoke-free

MADRID: A man argues with a nightclub’s doorman because he is not allowed in with the cigarette early yesterday, after an anti-smoking law took effect. —AP

Spanish bar owners fume over ban MADRID: Bar and restaurant owners in Spain, until now one of Europe’s most smoker-friendly countries, fear that a ban on smok ing in public places that takes effect this weekend will hit them hard and worsen the economic crisis. “This will affect our business because people who come here like to have a coffee and a cigarette,” said Fidel, a waiter in his 50s in a smoke-filled cafe in Madrid.

“It’s not the right time to change the law. We can change it when (the economy) improves, not now.”

The ban, which took effec t at midnight yesterday, is one of Europe’s toughest, stopping smoking in all closed public spaces and in open spaces such as children’s play areas and outside hospitals. Fines for breaking the ban range from a modest euro 30 to euro 600,000 ($40 to $802,000). “We should remember that more than 70 percent of Spain’s population are non-smokers. So it is

logical to think they will be more comfortable in bars when there is no tobacco smoke in them,” Health Minister Leire Pajin told parliament when the law was approved earlier this month.

The Spanish Federation of Hostelr y estimates the new law could lead to the loss of up to 350,000 jobs - unemployment is already 20 percent - as many Spaniards will stay at home rather than go without a cigarette with their coffee or beer in a bar. At the same time the government, struggling to pay off a huge deficit during an economic slowdown, seems to be hoping the ban will not stop too many Spaniards from smoking. Last month, among a battery of austerity measures, it announced a rise in tobacco tax which it hopes will bring in an extra 780 million euros a year.

Spain’s I nstitute of Economic

Research estimates bar turnover could fall by 10 percent as a result of the ban. The hostelr y sec tor accounts for 7 percent of gross domestic product and the government, trailing the main opposition party by about 15 points in opinion polls, can ill afford such losses as it struggles to create jobs and revive the economy. Until now, bar owners could decide whether to allow smoking, depending on the size of their premises, while larger bars and restaurants had to have a designated smoking area. Similar legislation in Ireland has had a limited economic effect. Many Spaniards may well be inspired to try to give up smoking, but some, such as 50-yearold barman Julian Escudero, believe any effects will be short-lived or negligible. “Maybe at the beginning there will be a downturn (in business) but later things will stabilise,” he said. —Reuters

CAMPION, Colorado: In this Dec 31, 2010 photo, farmer Chris Jessen holds his new “panda cow” named Ben, hours after the rare miniature cow was born. The miniature panda cow is the result of genetic manipulation. A white belt encircles the animal’s midsection, and the cow has a white face with black ovals around the eyes, giving it a panda-like appearance. The mini-cattle are bred solely as pets. Jessen says panda calves can sell for $30,000. —AP

MADRID: Smokers stubbed out their cigarettes in tapas bars and restaurants across Spain yesterday as one of Europe’s strictest anti-tobacco laws came into effect. After a one-day amnesty granted for New Year’s Day, the new law banning smoking in all bars, cafes, restaurants and public places - even some outdoor areas - was imposed at the stroke of midnight on Saturday.

It was a shock for many Spaniards for whom the cafe culture - lighting up with a few friends while enjoying a drink and tapas - has been an essential part of daily life.

Establishments overnight began displaying notices on their doors and windows such as “Smoke-Free Area. No Smoking” or showing a lighted cigarette with a red line across it. In Madrid’s historic centre, bars and restaurants were packed for breakfast and for lunch on Sunday despite the new rule. And of the dozen or so visited by AFP, no customers were smoking. In cold but sunny weather, cafes with outdoor terraces, where smoking is permitted, were doing brisk business.

At the Txacolina bar, it was elbow-room only as dozens of customers, many with children, munched Spanish appetizers and downed beer, wine and vermouth, a traditional Sunday lunchtime drink. “We have a lot of customers today, but it’s only the first day and we have to see what will happen,” said the duty manager, Pedro Ayllon. “But I don’t think (the new law) will hurt us.” Himself a non-smoker, he welcomed the new law after seven years working in smoke-filled bar.

At the nearby Taberna del Capitan Alatriste restaurant, manager Antonio Pino said lunch reservations were normal for a Sunday. “It’s a fair law as it’s the same for everyone, so there will be less problems,” he said. Spain has had an antismoking law since Jan 2006 but the impact was barely noticeable. It banned smoking in the workplace, on public transport and in shops. But it allowed owners of bars, restaurants and cafes to decide whether to ban smoking or not. Most, faced with a drop in business, naturally chose to permit their customers to light up.

The new law bans smoking in all enclosed public spaces, including bars, restaurants and nightclubs and makes it illegal to smoke in children’s parks or anywhere on school or hospital grounds. At the Cafe de San Millan in Madrid’s old town, one smoker who tried to light up was reminded by a waiter that is was no longer permitted. “It’s stupidity,” the man, Carlos Montesinos, 47, of the new law as he was forced to smoke in the street outside. “I think they should provide separate smoking zones.”

Another customer, French tourist Lionel Roesel, said he thought Spaniards would have a harder time accepting the new restrictions than French citizens when a similar law took effect there in 2008. “In France, we all complained at the beginning, but now we can go into bars with children,” said the 47-year-old financial director. “But I think that for Spain it will be much harder. In Spain, there is a stronger culture of bars and cigarettes. It is a question of conviviality.”

The catering industry is concerned it will take a hit.

Jose Luis Guerra, vice president of the Spanish Hotel and Catering Association, said bars and restaurants had taken a beating for the past 31 months because of the economic crisis. —AFP

BEEBE, Arkansas: A dead bird lies on Skylark Street on Saturday. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said more than 1,000 dead black birds fell from the sky in Beebe. —AP

More than 1,000 dead birds fall from sky BEEBE, Arkansas: Wildlife officials are trying to determine what caused more than 1,000 black birds to die and fall from the sky over an Arkansas town. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said Saturday that it began receiving reports about the dead birds about 11:30 pm the previous night. The birds fell over a 2-km area, and an aerial survey indicated that no other dead birds were found outside of that area. Commission ornithologist Karen Rowe said the he birds showed physical trauma, and she speculated that “the flock could have been hit by lightning or high-

altitude hail”.

The commission said that New Year’s Eve revelers shooting off fireworks in the area could have startled the birds from their roost and caused them to die from stress.

Robby King, a wildlife officer for the agency, collected about 65 dead birds, which will be sent for testing to the state Livestock and Poultry Commission lab and the National Wildlife Health Center lab in Wisconsin.

Rowe said that similar events have occurred elsewhere and that test results “usually were inconclusive”. She said she doubted the birds were poisoned. —AP

HANOI: This picture taken in Oct 2010 shows Pham Tai Thu posing with his white pigeons at Hanoi’s Botanic Garden. —AFP

Hanoi’s bird man sees legacy stolen, eaten HANOI: The 1,000 white pigeons which Pham Tai Thu trained for Hanoi’s millennium celebrations were meant to be a lasting symbol of peace in a country that survived decades of war. Yet two months after the ceremonies most of the birds have been captured, eaten or poisoned, Thu says, leaving his feathered legacy in doubt. Asked how many of the original flock remain, Thu gives a muffled grunt and says: “One third.” He fears even they may not survive. “I’m very sad,” he says, before slowly inhaling on a cigarette.

Thu, a longtime bird hobbyist who raises orchids for a living, says the Hanoi government invited him and his birds to be part of the city’s 10-day birthday party in October.

They even gave him some funding, he says. “I gathered birds from different parts of the country, and fed and raised them in Danang,” the central-Vietnam city where he lives, adds Thu, who declines to reveal his age.

Then he drove them to Hanoi in a doubledecker bus on a mission that he says came from his heart. “I have a desire for peace, for Vietnam and for the world,” explains Thu, who sometimes wears a cowboy hat over his crew cut, and keeps a traditional flute in his rented Hanoi room. The pigeons were released during the millennium celebrations in Hanoi, which is dubbed “City of Peace”.

Such a large flock had never before taken to the skies over Vietnam’s capital, says Thu, who trained them all to return to the Botanical Gardens where he hoped they would remain as a message of peace.

A thick photo album which Thu keeps from that time shows many pictures of him surrounded by large flocks of white pigeons in the gardens. A walkway leading to a small island is shown crowded with birds. These days little more than a dozen white pigeons can be seen on the small island in the park, where big blue bird houses seem almost deserted. Thu pokes a toothpick into his

mouth and reluctantly explains what happened to most of the birds. “Some were caught... so they brought the birds back home to raise them, or even to kill them for the meat.” He says he witnessed some of the thefts himself, and police caught other birdnappers.

Local media reported that Hanoi police arrested six people who had allegedly stolen hundreds of the birds and sold them to restaurants. City markets commonly sell dark-coloured pigeons for meat. Thu says most of his remaining white pigeons are afraid to return to the bird houses and have sought refuge in surrounding trees. He does not blame anybody for what happened, only his country’s sad history of warfare.

“Vietnamese people suffered quite a lot so they didn’t have the chance to behave properly,” he says.

Other birds became ill after they drank from the polluted lake in the Botanical Gardens, he says in an interview at the hostel room where he has stayed for four months.

“All the lakes in Hanoi are polluted,” Thu says.

For visitors to the Botanical Gardens, a peaceful refuge from Hanoi’s chaotic streets, Thu and his white birds were a welcome sight but they say he needed more help to protect them. “The pigeons here were beautiful,” says Tran Huy Hoang, 75, a war veteran who visits the park almost daily and has watched the flock deteriorate. “Step by step, the number of birds just decreased, and the birds do not look good either,” says Hoang. “I think authorities must join hands to increase people’s awareness about protecting the environment, the birds, the animals.”

Nguyen Thi Mai, 54, a housewife walking in the Gardens, regretted the loss of the pigeons and said they had not been properly looked after. “The park management board should really do their job better in ensuring a good environment here,” she laments. —AFP

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MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

health & science

Organ traffickers target Nepal’s poorest KAVRE, Nepal: Seven years ago, Nepalese farmer Madhab Parajuli faced an agonising choice: lose his small plot of farmland to mounting debts, or sell one of his kidneys to an organ trafficker. In desperation, Parajuli accepted the trafficker’s offer of 100,000 rupees ($1,400) and travelled to India to have the organ removed - a decision he now bitterly regrets. “I didn’t get paid until we got back to Nepal, and then only around a third of what I’d been promised,” the 36-year-old told AFP in his home village of Jyamdi, around 50 km east of the capital Kathmandu. “I lost my farm anyway, and if I’d known then what I know now, there’s no way I would have sold my kidney.”

Parajuli, whose family abandoned him after he lost all his property, looks frail and haggard. Now a day labourer, he said he finds heavy work difficult. “I occasionally feel the pain on the side,” he said, pointing to the 15-cm scar on his right side. Under Nepalese law, kidney transplants are allowed only if the organ is donated by a blood relative or spouse. But India’s laws are more lax, allowing a non-relative to donate an organ “out of affection”, subject to the approval of a medical committee - a checking process which can often be circumvented.

Everyone knows someone who has given up a kidney in Jyamdi, one of a cluster of impoverished villages in Nepal that have become a centre for the traders because of the proximity to Kathmandu and the Indian border. Most of the villagers are subsistence farmers, but many cannot produce enough food for the whole year, and are forced to seek work in Kathmandu or neighbouring India.

“The organ traffickers trawl the villages looking for poor donors like Madhab,” former village chief Krishna Bahadur Tamang told AFP. “People here are poor and uneducated so it’s easy. But in most cases they get only a tiny fraction of the money they were promised.”

Some are even lured into India with cover stories, and only told the true purpose of their journey once they are over the border. That is what

KAVRE, Nepal: This picture taken on Nov 25, 2010 shows Nepalese farmer Madav Parajuli, who donated one of his kidneys, showing his scar during an interview some 50 km east of Kathmandu. happened to Mohan Sapkota, who was initially told he would be paid to accompany a Nepalese kidney patient travelling to India for treatment. He became suspicious when the trafficker told him he would have to undergo a blood test and a health check-up before travelling, but it was only after he arrived in the southern Indian city of Chennai that the true reason emerged. “I had no money and no property and the trafficker promised to pay for my children’s education, so I agreed to give up a kidney,” Sapkota, 43, told AFP. “But in the end, all I got was 60,000 rupees.”

Sociologist Ganesh Gurung has conducted research into organ trafficking in the district of Kavre, where the villages are located. He says that once they are in India, the victims are even more vulnerable to the traffickers’ demands. “The donor is in a very weak position in India, where he often cannot understand the lan-

guage and has little bargaining power,” he said. “And then when they get back to the village, many of them spend the money on alcohol.”

A survey conducted by a local non-government organisation in 2009 put the number of people in Kavre who have sold a kidney at 300.

No official statistics are available, but many people believe the true figure is much higher. Many organs rackets in India cater for foreigners dubbed “transplant tourists”, but most of the kidneys from Nepal are actually destined for Nepalese patients. Wealthy Nepalese people suffering kidney diseases travel to India for the transplant operation, said Rishi Kumar Kafle, a Kathmandu doctor specialising in nephrology who is executive director of the National Kidney Center. “In Nepal only the patient’s blood relatives and spouse are eligible for kidney donation. Therefore, those looking for a donor outside this travel to

India for transplant,” he told AFP. He said the paucity of healthcare in Nepal means kidney disease often goes undetected until it is too late, leaving the victim with a choice between expensive dialysis treatment or an illegal transplant. Nepal’s weak law enforcement and open border with India make it easy for the traffickers to ply their lucrative trade, and reports suggest a kidney can fetch up to $20,000 on the black market. Police say they have struggled to make any arrests because the traffickers live outside the area, but local farmer Raman Pariyar accused authorities of ignoring the illegal trade. “Our village has developed a reputation as a place where you can buy kidney,” he said.

“Local people see that you can give up a kidney and still try to live a healthy life. So, a prospective donor leaves the village first to Kathmandu and then to India and comes back with a scar in his side.” —AFP

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Rak Dance Academy - New Year Hangama

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he New Year eve Program organized by Rak Dance Academy on 31st December 2010 was a great success with an enormous number of audience.

Rak Dance Academy’s President Eswar Babu, Anish, Indian Integrated School Director and Sankar Reddy, President of Srikrishna Seva Satsanga Committee, Madineni Yangiah Chowdary - Vice President of Telugu Kala Samithi, Swapna Ramesh Battaram, Yanker Darla Srinivas

Achary gave Opening Speech and invited the Chief Guests for the lighting of the lamp, Anish - Indian Integrated School Director and Sankar Reddy President of Srikrishna Seva Satsanga Committee, Madineni Yangiah Chowdary - Vice President of Telugu Kala Samithi, Swapna Ramesh Battaram, Yanker Darla Srinivas Achary invited Chief Guests to speak to the audience. Sankar Reddy, Anish and Indra Kumar Raju and Madineni Yangiah, were the

speakers.

They appreciated Rak Dance Academy President Eswar Babu for the extra ordinary arrangements The Programme started with a devotional classical dance performed by Anusha.

Along with Telugu, there were so many other community groups who took part in the cultural activities Kannada, Malyalam, Hindi, Tamil groups performed well. Rak Dance, Aadi Group, Ritham Group, Bikal Group, Dance Divas, Heart Beat,

Lakshmi Sha, Melodious Archestra, Groups also geven an excellent performance. The Judges Jyothi Patel and Lal San and Bhivin have declared the first, second, and third place in Solo and Groups. Madineni Yangiah Chowdhary gave an excellent performance of our Freedom Fighter Alluri Sitaramaraju. Eswar Babu along with Rak Dance Academy artists performed Annamaiah Drama and it was grand success. The Limka Book of Record Holder Master Rahul Battaram and

Roshan Battaram participated in General knowledge quiz competition Prizes were distributed for all the winners and runnersup by Sankar Reddy, Madineni Yangiah Chowdhary, Mulaka Subbarayudu, Hari Prasad, B.P. Naidu, Murali Manohar.

Along with the winners the medals and certificates were distributed to all participants. The programme was organized with the help of the following sponsors and individuals. Prasad - Artist -

Siddaiah, Yousef Cargo, Gondhi Ramakrishna Naidu, Gulf Wide Nandamuri Fans, Sanapanani ManiMahatma Gandi telugu youth, Kovur Sudarsan Naidu, Oleti Divakar Naidu - Divas Satelite, RK Traders, Narayana Reddy - Five Star Electronics, Pratap Reddy and Sekhar Reddy - Seven Hills Electronis, Group of TVS Caro and Travesl, Bali Reddy and group, Mohana Achary, CV Subba Achary, Malepati Suresh Babu Naidu RR Butt.

Greetings

Happy b’day to our dearest Alma Trisa (left). Lots of love from your brother Cherish and sis Liva.

Happy birthday to Salah Fekhry Khalil.

Best wishes from Mohammed Khalid, Shaik Mastan.

Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

United Indian School Silver Jubilee jubilations

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n 16th December 2010, an exotic and befitting tribute with the distinct UIS flavour was exclusively designed in commemoration of 25 years of dedicated and unquantifiable service to the community.

As the sun bid adieu and veiled the sky UIS was set to unveil the Silver Jubilee Celebrations. Time ticked by for the evening titled ‘Forever Young’. The school band ushered in the Chief Guests and other dignitaries. The much awaited event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, Kuwait National Anthem and the Indian National Anthem followed by a Song of Thanksgiving by the school choir.

The celebration made the night alive with the presence of the Chief Guest - Member of the Indian Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor. The other eminent personalities who graced the occasion were the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Ajai Malhotra, Member of Indian Parliament Shri Anto Antony, N.K Premachandran, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation. Our sponsor Jassim Al Nusuf, Madam Badriya, Mohammed Al Humaidi and Shashi Tharoor were the other special guests.

Thomas Chandy MLA, our Chairman’s presence boosted the spirits of the UIS family.

Dr. Shashi Tharoor added quite a spark with his impressive oration on ‘India- Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ and India’s rich cultural heritage. He stressed that there is a basic unity which runs through the Indian mainstream of life and thought. This unique feature of Indian civilization has given it strength and unity despite the diversity.

John Thomas, Administrative Manager on behalf of Thomas Chandy, Chairman gave the welcome address. The School Report was presented by the Principal, Susan Roy and the Vote of Thanks was proposed by the VicePrincipal Cherian Thomas. The Silver Jubilee Logo was duly released. Ajai Malhotra released ‘SUSMRITI’ the Silver Jubilee School Magazine.

The special guests awarded the proficiency prizes to the students who topped in academic excellence. Dr. Shashi Tharoor honoured three teachers Susheela George, Rosamma Jacob and Susan Alexander for their 25 years of dedicated service and Elizabeth Mani, Liny Paul, Joseph Mathew, Litty Mar y Jacob, Shylaja Menon, Jacob Vaidiyan, Sibi Kurian and Anthony Gonsalves were presented mementos for their contributions.

At UIS its not the size but the will that matters. The teachers and students put in tremen-

dous efforts and executed with precision to woo and dazzle the audience. The stage was set alight for the 7000 who witnessed colour, life and excitement as they sat through the scintillating performance of 500 plus students (representing the different classes) as they swayed and glided to the music. They captured the crowd with their undiluted exuberance, joy and youthful energy. They wove a rhapsody of rich and enchanting colours - a legendary collection blending the magic of the past and the contemporary Invocation Dance, Kohoma, Arabian Rhapsody, Fireflies, Panchbhoota , Garba and Dandiya Raas and Highland Fling captured the senses of all present at the venue.

The theme song ‘Forever Young’ was sung by a group of UIS choristers and the school captain said a few words.

‘Milestones’ a short documentary depicting the quarter century left behind by UIS was screened followed by a documentary ‘Behind the Scene’. The curtain was drawn with the closing song ‘Song in your Heart’ rendered by the 500 plus participants as UIS bid goodbye to the enchanting evening.

The compeers for the evening were Annetta P Varghese, Dhanya Susan Abraham, Jerry Paul Ronn George Jacob and Azrar Parkar.

Kuwait English School Girls celebrate winning Gold in the ISACK Open Age Table tennis Tournament held at New English School. Coach John Barry was delighted that the team overcame talented competition to bring home the Trophy this year. U13 and U15 Silver Medals ended an excellent evening for the girls !

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EMBASSY OF BANGLADESH The Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kuwait has taken up an initiative to update the database of Bangladesh nationals residing in the State of Kuwait.

For inclusion in the database all the Bangladesh nationals are requested to collect the Registration Form from the Labour Wing of the Embassy. The forms can also be collected sending request to bdoot@kems.net e-mail address. The filled-in forms can also be submitted by hand, by email or by fax (number 24913204).

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Canadian Embassy resumes its duties tomorrow. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. Consular Services for Canadian Citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00 on Sunday through Wednesday. The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakel St., Block 4 in Daíaiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca.

Canada offers a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that Consular Officials can contact and assist Canadians in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform Canadians of a family emergency at home. The Embassy of Canada encourages all Canadian Citizens to register online through the Government of Canada Travel Website at www.voyage.gc.ca. The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides visa and immigration services to residents of Kuwait.

Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.uae.gc.ca.

EMBASSY OF INDIA The Embassy of India has further revamped and improved its Legal Advice Clinic at the Indian Workers Welfare Center, and made the free service available to Indian nationals on all five working days, i.e. from Sunday to Thursday every week. Kuwaiti lawyers would be available at the Legal Advice Clinic daily from Monday to Thursday, while Indian lawyers would be available on Sundays. Following are the free welfare services provided at the Indian Workers Welfare Center located at the Embassy of India: [i] 24x7 Helpline for Domestic Workers: Accessible by toll free telephone no. 25674163 from anywhere in Kuwait, it provides information and advice exclusively to Indian domestic sector workers (Visa No. 20) as regards their grievances, immigration and other matters. [ii] Help Desk: It offers guidance to Indian nationals on routine immigration, employment, legal, and other issues (Embassy premises; 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4.30 PM, Sunday to Thursday); (iii) Labour Complaints Desk: It registers labor complaints and provides grievance redressal service to Indian workers (Embassy premises; 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4.30 PM, Sunday to Thursday); (iv) Shelters: For female and male domestic workers in distress; (v) Legal Advice Clinic: Provides free legal advice to Indian nationals (Embassy premises; Kuwaiti lawyers 3 PM to 5 PM, Monday to Thursday; Indian lawyers 2 PM to 4 PM on Sunday); and (vi) Attestation of Work Contracts: Private sector worker (Visa No. 18) contracts are accepted at the Embassy; 9 AM to 1 PM; Sunday to Thursday; Domestic sector worker (Visa No. 20) contracts are accepted at Kuwait Union of Domestic Labor Offices (KUDLO), Hawally, Al-Othman Street, Kurd Roundabout, Al-Abraj Complex, Office No 9, Mezzanine Floor; 9 AM to 9 PM, Saturday to Thursday; 5 PM to 9 PM on Friday.

Embassy of India would like to inform that application forms for passport/visa services and labor contracts that are on its website, www.indembkwt.org, have been upgraded to include the facility for online data entry. Affidavit forms on the embassy website have had this facility since May 6, 2009.

EMBASSY OF THE US The United States Department of State announces the increase in various visa fees to ensure sufficient resources to cover the increasing cost of processing nonimmigrant visas (NIVs). US law requires the Department to recover the cost of processing non-immigrant visas through the collection of the application fees. The increased fees are to take effect June 4, 2010. Under the new rule, applicants for all visas that are not petition-based, including B1/B2 tourist and business visitor visas and all student and exchangevisitor visas, will pay a fee of $140. Applicants for petitionbased visas will pay an application fee of $150, as each of the below categories requires a review of extensive documentation and a more in-depth interview of the applicant than other categories, such as tourists.

These categories include: H visa for temporary workers and trainees L visa for intra-company transferees O visa for aliens with extraordinary ability P visa for athletes, artists and entertainers Q visa for international cultural exchange visitors R visa for religious occupations The application fee for K visas for fiance(e)s of US citizens will be $350. The fee for E visas for treaty-traders and treatyinvestors will be $390.

EMBASSY OF GERMANY The German Embassy wishes to extend and update its information base on German business in Kuwait.

Therefore all Kuwaiti companies representing German companies are invited to register at the embassy.

For more information on the registration, please visit www.kuwait.diplo.de.

Sheikha Nawal Al-Humoud, Khalid Al-Khuwaildi and Sheikh Dawood Al-Salman.

Najlaa Al-Naqi is being honored by the development organization for Renewable Energy.

A group photo.

Signing the cooperation agreement between the cooperation organization for development of Renewable Energy, peace organization and Asia.

Najla Forum Awards Libyan Activist

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he Najla Al-Naqqi Forum hosted a ceremony recently to commemorate Libyan activist Khalid Al-Humaidi; who is the president of Libyaís international organization for peace, care and rescue. The event featured participation of various diplomats and humanitarian and social activists from Senegal, Bosnia, as well s the Kuwaiti ambassador in Libya, and the Bahraini chargÈ d’affaires. Furthermore, the event featured a cooperation agreement signed between Al-Humaidi and secretary general of the developmental organization of renewable energy, Ghadeer Al-Saqíabi.

Najla Forum Hosts Seminar

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ajla Al-Naqqi Forum is set to host a seminar dubbed ‘take care of Kuwait’, today featuring participation of MPs, the Kuwaiti Independent Assembly, and student Amina Al-Mutawa’a who will speak on behalf of Kuwaiti students in France.

The seminar will take place at the Forum’s headquarters in Salwa, Block 9, AlAqsa Mosque street, house #388.

Libyan Activist Khalid Al-Khuwaildi

Ambassador of Senegal, Ambassador of Bosnia and Sheikh Dawood Al-Salman.

PGA New Year football program

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he Premier GOAL Academy/Everton FC New Year program of football coaching courses, team fixtures, tournaments and tours to the USA, UK and Dubai resumes on Friday 7th January 2011 under the Patronage of H.E. The British Ambassador Frank Baker. We look forward to welcoming back everyone to what promises to be an exciting and enjoyable second half of the season with plenty of surprises in store! ● Coaching Courses available to everyone are held on ● Fridays 0900-1100 at Shaab Park, ● Saturdays 0900-1100 at Salwa , ● Saturdays 1500-1700 at Shaab Park, ● Wednesdays 1530-1630 at Shaab Park ● Thursdays 1530-1630 at Shaab Park ● Coaching at the Hilton Resort, Mangaf takes place on Sundays and Tuesdays from 16:30 onwards. ● Centre of Excellence training for advanced levels is held three times a week at Shaab Park ●

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Under 9s,10s,11s,12s; Fridays 12301400, Saturdays 0900-1100 and Mondays 1700-1900.

Under 13s and Under 14s; Fridays 1400-1530, Saturdays 1100-1300 and Tuesdays 1700-1900.

Under 15s,16s,17s,18s; Fridays 15001700, Saturdays 1300-1500 and Wednesdays 1700-1900.

The U-14s and U-18s teams will tour

Florida, USA from 24th February to 4th March (including three matches and visits to Disney resorts and Kennedy Space Centre). The U-13s and U-15s teams will tour Manchester/Liverpool/Preston UK from 21st t0 29th April (including live Premier league match Bolton vs. Arsenal and visit to Manchester United for stadium tour).

The U-9s/10s/11s/12s teams will have trips to play in Dubai,UAE during February and March. PGA teams will compete in the Anglo/French/American tournament at Salmiya Club 12th February. Coaches Greig Robertson and Dave Cook from top Scottish Premier League side Celtic F.C. will be visiting the PGA from 26th to 31st January 2011 to coach all our registered players and advise on player development - Don’t miss out, re register early and enjoy a great new Year of Football with the PGA! For details please contact: Academy Director Mike Finn on 99981327, Executive Director Baker Al Nazer on 66918666 or Director of Football, Daniel Christensen on 99128010.

Happy New Year to Everyone from the PGA Coaching Team.

Mike, Baker, Danny, Rob, Roman, Liam, Ross, Craig, Keith, Josh, Dave, Graham, Junior, Douglas, Bader, Fares, Sherif, Alex, Mohammed, Elias, Karam, Askar, Obeid, Nasser, Yousif, Khalid, Keno, Ahmed, Agheel, Saeed, Joe, Adel and Cyrus.

EMBASSY OF UK The British Embassy is closed today and will re-open on Wednesday 29 Dec 2010. The Embassy will also be closed on Sunday 2 Jan 2011 on the occasion of the New Year and will reopen on Monday 3 Jan 2011. The Consular Section will be closed on the same dates above. The opening hours of the Visa Application Centre are from 0930 to 1630 hrs. Application forms remain available online from the UKBA www.ukvisas.gov.uk: or from the Visa Application Centreís website: www.vfs-uk-kw.com. And also, from the UK Visa Application Centre located at: 4W First Floor, Al Banwan Building, (Burgan Bank Branch Office Building) Al Qibla area, opposite Central Bank of Kuwait Kuwait City For any further inquiries, please contact the Visa Application Centre: Website: www.vfs-uk-kw.com ; E-mail: info@vfs-uk-kw.com; Telephone: 22971170. For information On the British Embassy services, visit the British Embassy website: www.ukinkuwait.fco.gov.uk

Oath Taking for Fil-Aseak Officers

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he new President and New Officers of FilAseak have taken their oath of officers on 29th December, 2010 at the office of Ambassador Shulan Premavera at Philippine Embassy, Jabriya Kuwait.

The Elected President Marifol Abdalla extended her gratitude and thankfulness to Vice Consul Rea Oreta and Second Labatto Ofilia Oastro for thier kind assistance and support. Fil- Aseak promes to pledge tickets to the wards and continue to extend their help towards Philippine embassy activities and their wards problems. Fil- Aseak P R O Rasmia Misuari concluded the ceremony by thanking to all the elected officers, Embassy staff and all who attended the Oath taking ceremony and to those who provided the refreshments, Best wishes to all and Very Happy New Year 2011.

Kuwait Karimkunnam Association

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uwait Karimkunnam Association conducting their 7th annual general body meeting along with Christmas new year celebration on Friday 7th January 2011 from 5 pm onwards at ‘Chachoos auditorium Abbassiya, informed by president Moncy Karuthedam and secretary Semy John Chavarattu. KKA organizing various cultural programs of members and children and also the ganamela by ‘music tracks Kuwait’. KKA welcomes all Karimkunnam panchayat expatriates in Kuwait to join this celebration.

Leisure activities in winter Kuwait Zoo The Kuwait Zoo is located in Omariya on the Airport Road. It is open everyday except on Saturdays. The timings during winter are 8am to 8pm. For more information contact: 24733389.

Amusements Parks Aqua Park Aqua Park will be open from 1st April 2011 from 10am-10pm everyday. For information contact: 22431960/1/3 or

visit: www.aquaparkkuwait.com.

Entertainment City Entertainment City is open from Sunday to Wednesday from 3pm to 11pm during winter. It is also open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 10pm. For more information contact: 24879455.

The Scientific Centre The Scientific Centre is located on

the Gulf road in Salmiya. It is open from Saturdays to Thursdays from 9am to 10.30pm and on Fridays from 2pm to 10.30pm. For more information contact: 22240025 or visit their website at: www.tsck.org.kw.

Art galleries and artifacts Sultan Art Gallery The Sultan Art Gallery is located on Street no: 105, building no: 168, Subhan, Kuwait city.

Boshehri Gallery Boshehri Gallery is located on the AlMobarak street, Salmiya, Kuwait. For more information on their collection please contact: 25714883/25724883.

Tariq Rajab Museum This museum is open from Saturdays to Thursdays at 9am to 12pm and 4pm to 7pm. On Fridays it is open from 9am to 12pm. For more information on their location etc contact: 25317358 or visit their website: www.trmkt.com.

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00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

The Ellen Degeneres Show My Own Worst Enemy Good Morning America Sons Of Anarchy Treme Law And Order My Own Worst Enemy Good Morning America Glee Cold Case The Ellen Degeneres Show Psych Cold Case Law And Order Glee My Own Worst Enemy Good Morning America Psych The Ellen Degeneres Show Momma’s Boys The Deep End Criminal Minds Alias Treme

00:50 Whale Wars 01:45 Untamed & Uncut 02:40 The Most Extreme 03:35 Untamed & Uncut 04:30 Human Prey 05:25 Animal Cops Philadelphia 06:20 Untamed & Uncut 07:10 Wildlife SOS 07:35 SSPCA: On the Wildside 08:00 The Crocodile Hunter Diaries 08:50 All New Planet’s Funniest Animals 09:15 All New Planet’s Funniest Animals 09:40 Project Puppy 10:05 Project Puppy 10:35 Xtremely Wild 11:00 Into the Dragon’s Lair 11:55 Killer Whales 12:50 Uakari ‚Äì Secrets of the English Monkey 13:45 Polar Bears: Living on Thin Ice 14:40 Squid Invasion 15:35 Search for the Knysna Elephants 16:30 Into the Dragon’s Lair 17:25 Killer Whales 18:20 Uakari ‚Äì Secrets of the English Monkey 19:15 Polar Bears: Living on Thin Ice 20:10 Squid Invasion 21:10 Search for the Knysna Elephants 22:05 Panda Adventures with Nigel Marven 23:00 Sharkman

00:00 00:45 01:30 01:45 02:15 02:45 03:30 04:30 04:45 05:05 05:20 05:40 05:55 06:00 06:15 06:35 06:50 07:10 07:20 07:25 07:40 08:00 08:15 08:35 08:45 08:50 09:05 09:25 09:40 10:00

Live At The Apollo Doctor Who Doctor Who Confidential Supernova Ideal Live At The Apollo My Family Gigglebiz Balamory Forget Me Not Farm Fimbles The Large Family The Adventures Of Spot Gigglebiz Balamory Forget Me Not Farm Fimbles The Large Family The Adventures Of Spot Gigglebiz Balamory Forget Me Not Farm Fimbles The Large Family The Adventures Of Spot Gigglebiz Balamory Forget Me Not Farm Fimbles The Large Family

10:10 10:15 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:15 12:30 Stars 13:20 14:10 15:00 15:45 16:45 17:15 17:45 18:15 18:45 19:15 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:50 22:40 23:30

00:00 00:25 00:50 01:15 01:40 02:05 02:30 02:55 03:20 03:45 04:10 04:35 05:00 05:25 05:50 06:15 06:40 07:05 07:30 08:00 08:25 08:55 09:20 09:45 10:10 10:35 11:00 11:30 12:25 22:00 22:25 22:50 23:15 23:40

The Adventures Of Spot Gigglebiz My Family My Family Doctor Who Doctor Who Confidential The Weakest Link Classic Sitcom Casualty Casualty The Weakest Link The Weakest Link Big Top Doctors Doctors Doctors Doctors Doctor Who My Family My Family Sahara Monarch Of The Glen Inspector Lynley Mysteries Small Island

The Garfield Show The Scooby Doo Show Wacky Races Dastardly And Muttley Top Cat Popeye King Arthur’s Disasters Droopy: Master Detective Looney Tunes The Flintstones The Jetsons Pink Panther And Pals Tom And Jerry Popeye Classics Scooby Doo Where Are You! Tom And Jerry Kids A Pup Named Scooby-Doo Yogi’s Treasure Hunt Tex Avery Show The Flintstones The Jetsons Tom And Jerry Looney Tunes Paddington Bear Pink Panther And Pals A Pup Named Scooby-Doo The Garfield Show Popeye Hour Scooby Sandwich Yogi’s Treasure Hunt Tom And Jerry The Scooby Doo Show Droopy: Master Detective Top Cat

01:00 Blessed-R 03:00 Enough-PG15 05:00 Bottle Shock-PG15 07:00 The Memory Keeper’s Daughter-PG15 09:00 Shine A Light-PG15 11:15 Benny And Joon-PG 13:00 Australia-PG 15:45 Call Of The North-PG 17:15 Broken Lines-PG15 19:15 The Good Heart-PG15 21:00 Dirty Pretty Things-PG15 23:00 Jude-18

00:40 01:35 02:30 03:25 04:20 05:15 06:05 07:00 07:25 08:15 09:10 09:35 10:05 10:30 11:25 12:20

Miami Swat Behind Bars Behind Bars Deadly Women Deadly Women Construction Intervention Construction Intervention Fifth Gear Wheeler Dealers Motor City Motors I Could Do That I Could Do That How Do They Do It? Ultimate Survival Scariest Moments At Sea Pit Bulls And Parolees

TV PROGRAMS 13:15 17:50 18:15 19:10 20:05 20:35 21:00 21:55 22:50 23:45

Pit Bulls And Parolees How Do They Do It? Ultimate Survival Scariest Moments At Sea Time Warp Time Warp Mythbusters Tsunami Surviving Disaster Pit Bulls And Parolees

00:40 Nextworld 01:30 Weird Or What?

02:20 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 03:10 Mission Critical: Hubble 04:00 Sci-Fi Science 04:50 The Future Of...

05:45 Engineered 06:40 How Does That Work?

07:10 Superships 08:00 Thunder Races 09:00 Scrapheap Challenge 10:00 Catch It Keep It 14:35 Da Vinci’s Machines 19:40 Human Body: Ultimate Machine 20:30 Creatures Inside Us 21:20 What’s That About?

22:10 Space Pioneer 23:00 Human Body: Ultimate Machine 23:50 Extreme Bodies

00:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Y1 (Cema) 00:20 Handy Manny 00:45 Special Agent Oso 01:10 Handy Manny 01:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Y1 (Cema) 02:00 Replacements 02:25 American Dragon 02:45 Kim Possible 03:10 Famous Five 03:35 Replacements 04:00 Fairly Odd Parents 04:25 Suite Life On Deck 04:45 Wizards Of Waverly Place 05:10 Hannah Montana 05:35 Sonny With A Chance 06:00 Little Einsteins 06:25 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Y1 (Cema) 06:45 Handy Manny 07:10 Lazytown 07:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Y1 (Cema) 08:00 Fairly Odd Parents 08:25 Suite Life On Deck 08:50 Wizards Of Waverly Place 09:15 Jonas 09:40 Hannah Montana 10:00 Sonny With A Chance 10:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place The Movie 12:00 Phineas & Ferb 12:25 Replacements 12:50 Kim Possible 13:15 Sonny With A Chance 13:40 Hannah Montana 14:00 Jonas 14:20 Wizards Of Waverly Place 14:45 Suite Life On Deck 15:10 Fairly Odd Parents 15:35 Replacements 16:00 Phineas & Ferb 16:25 Famous Five 16:45 Fairly Odd Parents 17:00 Jonas 17:25 Suite Life On Deck 17:50 Wizards Of Waverly Place 18:10 Hannah Montana 18:35 Sonny With A Chance 19:00 Wendy Wu 20:35 Hannah Montana 21:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 21:25 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 21:50 Brian O Brian 22:00 Phineas & Ferb 22:25 Replacements 22:50 Kim Possible 23:15 Sonny With A Chance

00:15 Extreme Close-Up 00:40 Then And Now 01:05 Chelsea Lately 01:30 Ths 03:15 25 Most Stylish 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Battle Of The Hollywood Hotties 05:30 Streets Of Hollywood 06:00 Ths 07:45 Behind The Scenes 08:10 Behind The Scenes 08:35 E! Investigates 09:25 Extreme Close-Up 09:50 Extreme Close-Up 10:15 Style Star 10:40 Style Star 11:05 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 11:30 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 12:00 Ths 12:50 E!es 13:40 E! Investigates 15:25 E!es 16:15 E!es 17:10 Behind The Scenes 17:35 Behind The Scenes 18:00 E!es 18:50 20 Best And Worst Celebrity Plastic...

20:30 Then And Now 20:55 Then And Now 21:20 Giuliana And Bill 21:45 Giuliana And Bill 22:10 Married Away: Italian Wedding 23:00 Chelsea’s Big Interview Special 23:50 E!es

00:00 IFMXF 2010 00:50 Kenny Belaey’s Big Time 01:40 FIA European Drag Racing 2008 02:30 Fantasy Factory 03:20 Untracked 04:10 Alpine Adventurer 05:50 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championships...

07:30 IEX 2009 10:40 BMX Masters 2010 11:05 Go Fast! Speed Days 11:30 Roxy Jam 11:55 Money for Blood 12:20 Alpine Adventurer 13:10 Alpine Adventurer 14:50 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championships...

15:40 Alpine Adventurer 17:20 Red Bull Empire of Dirt 18:10 Eurodip 19:00 Alpine Adventurer 20:40 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championships...

22:20 Fantasy Factory 23:10 Untracked

00:00 Throwdown with Bobby Flay 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 01:00 Iron Chef America 02:00 30 Minute Meals 02:30 Tyler’s Ultimate 03:00 Chopped 04:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back to Basics 04:30 Unwrapped 05:00 Food Network Challenge 06:00 Good Eats - Special 06:30 Guy’s Big Bite 07:00 Iron Chef America 08:00 Paula’s Best Dishes 08:25 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 08:50 Guy’s Big Bite 09:15 Barefoot Contessa - Back to Basics 09:40 Everyday Italian 10:05 30 Minute Meals 10:30 Tyler’s Ultimate 11:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 11:30 Barefoot Contessa 12:00 Unwrapped 12:30 Paula’s Party 13:30 Good Eats - Special 14:00 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 14:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 15:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back to Basics 15:30 Everyday Italian 16:00 30 Minute Meals 16:30 Guy’s Big Bite 17:00 Chopped 18:00 Barefoot Contessa 18:30 Unwrapped 19:00 Paula’s Best Dishes 19:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 20:00 Good Eats - Special 20:30 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 21:00 Iron Chef America 22:00 Barefoot Contessa 22:30 Everyday Italian 23:00 Chopped

00:00 Sport Express 00:30 World Team Tennis Final: Washington Kastles v Springfield Lasers Washington, DC 06:00 Asian Tour Season Finale 06:30 Sport Express 07:00 NHL Winter ClassicWashington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins 10:00 PGA Tour: ADT Skills Challenge Day 1 12:00 PGA Tour: ADT Skills Challenge Day 2 14:00 PGA Tour: Year in Review 15:00 Champions Tour Year in Review 16:00 NHL Winter ClassicWashington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins 19:00 Sport Express 19:30 NFL Game Day 20:00 FOX NFL Sunday 21:00 NFL TBA at TBA

The Hangover on Show Movies

MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

00:40 01:30 02:20 03:10 04:00 04:50 05:45 06:15

A Haunting Psychic Witness The Haunted Ghost Lab A Haunting Psychic Witness Ghosthunters Ghost Lab

07:10 07:35 08:00 08:50 09:15 09:40 10:30 11:20 12:10 13:00 13:50 14:40 15:30 15:55 16:20 17:10 18:00 18:50 19:40 20:30 20:55 21:20 22:10 23:00 Jones 23:50

Real Emergency Calls Real Emergency Calls Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Real Emergency Calls Forensic Detectives Solved Accident Investigator FBI Files On The Case With Paula Zahn Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Real Emergency Calls On The Case With Paula Zahn Forensic Detectives FBI Files Solved Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Real Emergency Calls Ghost Lab Murder Shift True Crime With Aphrodite

01:20 03:10 05:10 06:30 08:15 10:20 12:00 13:40 15:05 16:45 18:30 20:15 22:00 23:55

Liebestraum The Music Lovers Summer Heat Traces Of Red Man Of La Mancha The Magnificent Seven Ride Mystery Date Walk Like A Man Spellbinder Tennessee Nights Tune In Tomorrow Gaily, Gaily Dog’s Breakfast Conan The Destroyer

Dr G: Medical Examiner

00:30 Lonely Planet- Roads Less Travelled 01:30 Lonely Planet- Roads Less Travelled 02:30 Lonely Planet- Roads Less Travelled 03:30 Bondi Rescue 04:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 04:30 Exploring The Vine 05:00 Weird And Wonderful Hotels 05:30 Lonely Planet- Roads Less Travelled 09:30 Bondi Rescue 10:00 Market Values 11:30 The Frankincense Trail 12:30 Banged Up Abroad 15:30 Bondi Rescue 16:00 Market Values 16:30 Bondi Rescue 17:30 The Frankincense Trail 18:30 Banged Up Abroad 21:30 Bondi Rescue 22:00 Market Values 23:30 The Frankincense Trail

00:00 The Office 00:30 Family Biz 01:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:30 The Colbert Report 02:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 03:00 Saturday Night Live 04:00 South Park 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Dharma And Greg 06:00 Hope And Faith 06:30 The Drew Carey Show 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Family Biz 08:30 Dharma And Greg 09:00 Hope And Faith 09:30 The Drew Carey Show 10:00 The New Adventures Of Old Christine 10:30 Melissa And Joey 11:00 Dharma And Greg 11:30 Hope And Faith 12:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 13:00 Family Biz 13:30 Malcolm In The Middle 14:00 Hope And Faith 14:30 The Office 15:00 Melissa And Joey 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 The Drew Carey Show 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Til Death 18:30 Rita Rocks 19:00 Billable Hours 19:30 Two And A Half Men 20:00 Entourage 20:30 Curb Your Enthusiasm 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 Saturday Night Live (Uncut) 23:30 Billable Hours

01:00 The Boondock Saints 2: All Saints Day-18 03:00 Ice Castles-PG15 04:45 W-PG15 07:00 Phoebe In Wonderland-PG 09:00 Ghost Town-PG15 11:00 Ice Age 3: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs-FAM 13:00 17 Again-PG15 15:00 The Informant !-PG15 17:00 Ghost Town-PG15 19:00 Universal Soldier: RegenerationPG15 21:00 Observe And Report-18 23:00 Children Of The Corn-18

00:30 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 05:30 06:30 07:30 08:00 09:00

Coronation Street Nip/Tuck Glee C.S.I. Nip/Tuck The Office White Collar The Ellen Degeneres Show Coronation Street House House

Valhalla Rising on Super Movies 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:30

The Ellen Degeneres Show The Office Coronation Street White Collar Glee C.S.I. 24 The Office Coronation Street The Ellen Degeneres Show White Collar C.S.I. New York C.S.I. Miami Criminal Minds Lost The Office The Ellen Degeneres Show

08:00 08:25 08:50 09:15 09:30 09:40 10:05 10:25 10:50 11:00 11:25 11:50 12:15 12:40 13:05 13:30 13:55 14:20 14:45 15:10 15:35 16:00 16:25 16:50 17:00 17:10 Pooh 17:35 18:00 18:25 18:40 19:05 19:30 Pooh 19:55 20:20 20:45

Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Imagination Movers Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction My Friends Tigger and Pooh Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Lazytown Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Special Agent Oso Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse My Friends Tigger and Pooh Imagination Movers Little Einsteins Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction New Adventures of Winnie the Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jungle Junction Special Agent Oso Imagination Movers New Adventures of Winnie the Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jungle Junction

00:00 Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassin’s Ball 02:00 L’affaire Farewell-PG15 04:00 Slap Shots 3-PG15 06:00 Did You Hear About The Morgans?-PG15 08:00 Christmas At The Riviera-PG 10:00 Amelia-PG15 12:00 Did You Hear About The Morgans?-PG15 14:00 Far North-PG 16:00 Christmas At The Riviera-PG 17:45 You Don’t Know Jack-PG15 20:00 The Hangover-18 22:00 Pan’s Labyrinth-18

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Blood Brothers-PG15 Virtuality-PG15 Red Sands-18 Shifty-PG15 Boa-PG15 Scream 3-18 Wushu Warrior-PG15 Boa-PG15 Darkness Falls-PG15 The Fan-PG15 Blood And Bone-18 Rage: Carrie 2-PG15

00:00 Sweet Liberty-PG15 02:00 Reality Bites-PG15

04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Ed-FAM A Dog Year-PG The Perfect Score-PG15 Paper Heart-PG15 Everything’s Gone Green-PG15 Another Cinderella Story-PG Sweet Liberty-PG15 Mama’s Boy-PG15 Mr. Woodcock-18 Just Buried-18

00:00 Simba The King Lion-FAM 02:00 Dark Crystal-PG 04:00 Rugrats In Paris: The Movie-FAM 06:00 Free Willy 2:the Adventure Home-FAM 08:00 Legend Of The Titanic-FAM 10:00 Rugrats In Paris: The Movie-FAM 12:00 Scruff Cinderella’s Carnival-FAM 14:00 Dark Crystal-PG 16:00 Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs Wakko’s Wakko-PG 18:00 Blank Check-FAM 20:00 Mucha Lucha! Return Of El Malefico-FAM 22:00 Scruff Cinderella’s Carnival-FAM

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Scoundrels Damages The Martha Stewart Show Heroes The View Downsize Me Emmerdale Coronation Street Heroes The Martha Stewart Show Downsize Me Heroes The View Emmerdale Coronation Street The Martha Stewart Show Scoundrels Damages Downsize Me The View Emmerdale Coronation Street C.S.I. New York Huge Heroes The View Downsize Me

01:30 04:30 06:30 07:00 10:00 13:00 15:15 15:45 18:00 21:00 23:00

Masters Football Aviva Premiership ICC Cricket World PDC Darts World Championship Masters Football Scottish Premier League Live Football Special Live Scottish Premier League PDC Darts World Championship Scottish Premier League Aviva Premiership

00:30 Spirit of a Champion 01:00 Spirit of a Champion 01:30 Spirit of a Champion 02:00 Spirit of a Champion 02:30 Premier League Darts 05:30 ICC Cricket World 06:00 The All Sports Show 07:00 Scottish Premier League 09:00 Aviva Premiership 11:00 ICC Cricket World 11:30 Futbol Mundial 12:00 PDC Darts World Championship 15:00 Aviva Premiership 17:00 Live Aviva Premiership 19:15 Live Aviva Premiership 21:30 ICC Cricket World 22:00 Futbol Mundial 22:30 Live PDC Darts World Championship

00:00 UFC 125 Countdown 01:00 The Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale 04:00 UFC 125 Countdown 05:00 Live 125 UFC Prelims 06:00 Live 125 UFC 09:00 WWE Vintage Collection 10:00 WWE Bottom Line 11:00 WWE NXT 12:00 WWE SmackDown 14:00 Red Bull X-Fighters 15:00 UAE National Race Day 16:00 Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge 17:00 WWE Smackdown 19:00 UFC 125 Prelims 20:00 UFC 125 23:00 WWE Smackdown

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Say It In Russian-18 Whip It-PG15 Duplicity-18 Save The Last Dance-PG Whip It-PG15 The Eclipse-PG15 Mes Stars Et Moi-PG15 The Building-PG15 Jump Tomorrow-PG15 The Eclipse-PG15 Valhalla Rising-18 Whiteout-18

00:45 Cannery Row-PG15 02:45 North By Northwest-PG 05:00 Screening Room, The - Venice And...-PG 05:30 Real Genius-PG15 07:20 Screening Room, The - 3D Special-PG 08:00 Bad Day At Black Rock-PG 09:20 North By Northwest-PG 11:35 Anchors Aweigh-FAM 13:50 The Unsinkable Molly BrownFAM 16:00 Skyjacked-PG 17:40 A Patch Of Blue-PG 19:25 Welcome To Hard Times-PG 21:05 The Year Of Living DangerouslyPG 23:00 National Lampoon’s Movie Madness-PG15

00:30 Seven Deadly Sins 01:20 Modern Marvels 02:10 Mummy Forensics 03:00 The Real Robin Hood 04:50 Decoding the Past 05:40 Lost Worlds 06:30 Cities of the Underworld 07:20 Modern Marvels 08:10 Mummy Forensics 09:00 The Real Robin Hood 10:50 Decoding the Past 11:40 Lost Worlds 12:30 Cities of the Underworld 13:20 Modern Marvels 14:10 Mummy Forensics 15:00 The Real Robin Hood 16:50 Decoding the Past 17:40 Lost Worlds 18:30 Cities of the Underworld 19:20 Modern Marvels 20:10 Mummy Forensics 21:00 America: The Story of the US 21:55 Sliced 22:25 Sliced 22:50 Pawn Stars 23:15 Pawn Stars 23:40 MysteryQuest THE STYLE NETWORK 00:00 Mel B: It’s A Scary World 01:00 Homes With Style 01:30 Homes With Style 02:00 Fashion Avenue 02:30 Fashion Avenue 03:00 How Do I Look?

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Classifieds MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

Years

ACCOMMODATION Sharing, C-A/C big room available for executive bachelor with small Indian Goan Hindu family, Amman street Salmiya.

Please call 99408202.

(C 2946) 3-1-2010 Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya for couple with fully furnished C-A/C new flat with car parking with Keralite family. Contact: 66013882.

(C 2950)

2-1-2011 Sharing accommodation available from 1st January 2011 for Christian family or 2 working women near German Clinic, Canary building, Abbassiya, C-A/C, separate toilet. Contact: 99520301. (C 2941) Accommodation vacant, for family or bachelor, Street No.12, near Balancia Super Market, Jleeb. Rent KD 75, water, gas, A/C, room + big balcony, big kitchen common sitting room, 3rd floor. Please contact: 24336581 / 99307591 / 65027817 / 99164057. (C 2942) 29-12-2010 Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya for married couple with fully furnished C-A/C new flat with car parking with Keralite family. Contact: 66013882. (C 2933)

FOR SALE Household items for sale, kitchen cabinets, throw rugs, computer table, large clothes cabinet, golf clubs etc. Contact: 67039015. (C 2945) 30-12-2010 Toyota Corolla 1.6, model 2009, color gray, low mileage, excellent condition with CD and sensor, cash price KD 3,650.

Contact: 99934965. (C 2939) 28-12-2010

LOST I Shabbir Maizbhai Dahadwala, holder of Passport No. F3885325 have lost my passport.

Whoever gets my passport requested to contact me on these numbers: 67045756 / 99537852 / 22402031. (C 2944) 30-12-2010 SITUATION VACANT

SITUATION WANTED

CHANGE OF NAME Old name - Raziya Moiz Ali Tatiwala; New name Rizwana Moiz Ali Tatiwala, Passport No. G7273915. (C 2940)

Finance and Accounts manager having 21 years experience in Kuwait, seeks suitable position with sound organization. Please contact: financemanagerq8@hotmail.com

Full-time maid wanted for small American family 6am - 4pm in Shaab al-Bahri. Fridays off. Pls call 6683-8807 after 4pm.

(C 2929) 26-12-2010

(C 2937) 28-12-2010

I, Mydaboyana Rajaiah, holder of Indian Passport No. E2159268 hereby change my name to Myadaveni Rajaiah. (C 2943) 29-12-2010

Required housemaid in Abbassiya to take care of new born baby. Preference Mangaloren or Goan. Call: 66722853 / 66087713.

(C 2935) Required cook for house, good experience, all kinds of food, good salary + accommodation, part time or full time. Call: 23901053 / 66519719. (C 2936)

No: 14958

I, Taranjit Singh S/o Sh. Mohan Singh R/o Patti Natha Ki, V.P.O. Goraya, Teshil Phillaur, Dist.

Jaladhar, have changed my name to TARANJIT SINGH GHATTAURA. (C 2938) 28-12-2010 I Basineni Prathima D/o Basineni Siddeswara Naidu born on 16.09.1979, holding Passport No: H1117699 residing at YBN Palli, Rajampet, Kadpah Dist, Andhra Pradesh, India 516115, shall henceforth be known as Daruru Lavanya.

26-12-2010

FLIGHT SCHEDULE FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION 161 In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Airlines KLM JZR GFA ETH WAN WAN MEA THY UAE DHX QTR ETD RBG KAC JZR FCX JZR BAW KAC JZR KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR ETD GFA KAC JZR KAC JZR MEA MSR IRC KAC MSR KAC FDB UAL OMA KAC SVA

Flt 447 205 211 620 646 306 406 772 853 370 138 305 3557 564 503 201 531 157 412 555 352 53 302 676 362 855 123 132 301 213 344 151 204 165 404 623 6521 382 610 672 57 982 645 618 500

Arrival Flights on Monday 3/1/2011 Route AMSTERDAM / BAHRAIN DAMASCUS BAHRAIN ADDIS ABABA VIENNA / BEIRUT CAIRO BEIRUT ISTANBUL DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA ABU DHABI ALEXANDRIA AMMAN LUXOR DOHA ASSIUT LONDON MANILA / BANGKOK ALEXANDRIA COCHIN DUBAI MUMBAI DUBAI COLOMBO DUBAI SHARJAH DOHA ABU DHABI BAHRAIN CHENNAI DOHA LAHORE DUBAI BEIRUT SOHAG LAMERD DELHI CAIRO DUBAI DUBAI WASHINGTON DC DULLES MUSCAT DOHA JEDDAH

Time 0:10 0:45 1:40 1:45 1:45 1:50 1:55 2:15 2:35 2:45 2:45 3:10 3:15 5:10 5:20 6:15 6:20 6:40 6:45 7:00 7:35 7:45 7:55 8:10 8:20 8:30 9:05 9:05 9:30 9:35 10:35 10:55 11:05 11:20 11:55 12:30 12:35 12:45 12:55 13:25 13:50 14:10 14:15 14:25 14:30

KAC KNE KAC JZR QTR KAC KAC WAN ETD UAE KAC GFA WAN SVA JZR JZR RJA JZR ABY RBG ALK KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC IAC KAC KAC FDB OMA JAI JZR DHX WAN VOS GFA MEA QTR UAE KLM KAC MSR JZR UAL TAR DLH

552 745 284 257 134 546 550 304 303 857 118 215 402 510 213 777 800 239 127 3555 227 542 786 614 674 744 575 104 774 61 647 572 179 372 104 81 217 402 136 859 445 502 612 135 981 327 636

DAMASCUS JEDDAH DHAKA BEIRUT DOHA ALEXANDRIA SOHAG CAIRO ABU DHABI DUBAI NEW YORK BAHRAIN BEIRUT RIYADH DEIREZZOR JEDDAH AMMAN AMMAN SHARJAH ALEXANDRIA COLOMBO / DUBAI CAIRO JEDDAH BAHRAIN DUBAI DAMMAM CHENNAI / GOA LONDON RIYADH DUBAI MUSCAT MUMBAI DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI BAGHDAD BAHRAIN BEIRUT DOHA DUBAI AMSTERDAM BEIRUT CAIRO BAHRAIN BAHRAIN TUNIS FRANKFURT

14:35 14:50 14:55 15:00 15:00 15:30 15:35 16:20 16:50 16:55 16:55 17:05 17:15 17:20 17:25 17:30 17:30 17:40 17:45 17:55 18:10 18:50 19:10 19:20 19:25 19:25 19:30 19:35 19:40 20:05 20:10 20:15 20:15 21:00 21:15 21:15 21:15 21:20 21:35 21:40 21:40 22:00 22:45 22:55 23:00 23:35 23:35

BBC RJA PIA

43 802 239

Airlines AFG UAL AXB IAC PIA KLM DLH KAC ETH KAC MEA THY KAC DHX UAE RBG ETD QTR JZR JZR GFA FDB KAC BAW KAC JZR KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR ETD GFA KAC KAC JZR KAC JZR JZR KAC MEA

Flt 406 981 390 982 206 447 637 203 620 283 407 773 381 371 854 3558 306 139 164 150 212 54 545 156 671 256 551 549 856 124 133 302 214 617 165 212 541 776 238 103 405

DHAKA AMMAN SIALKOT Arrival Flights on Monday 3/1/2011 Route DUBAI / KABUL WASHINGTON DC DULLES MANGALORE / KOZHIKODE AHMEDABAD / CHENNAI PESHAWER / LAHORE AMSTERDAM FRANKFURT LAHORE BAHRAIN / ADDIS ABABA DHAKA BEIRUT ISTANBUL DELHI BAHRAIN DUBAI ALEXANDRIA ABU DHABI DOHA DUBAI DOHA BAHRAIN DUBAI ALEXANDRIA LONDON DUBAI BEIRUT DAMASCUS SOHAG DUBAI SHARJAH DOHA ABU DHABI BAHRAIN DOHA ROME / PARIS DEIREZZOR CAIRO JEDDAH AMMAN LONDON BEIRUT

23:40 23:50 23:55

Time 0:05 0:45 0:45 1:05 1:10 1:25 1:30 2:20 2:30 2:40 2:55 3:15 3:30 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:00 4:55 6:55 7:10 7:15 8:25 8:50 8:55 9:00 9:00 9:10 9:20 9:40 9:45 10:00 10:20 10:20 11:10 11:45 11:45 12:00 12:00 12:10 12:30 12:55

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

MSR IRC KAC MSR FDB KAC OMA UAL KNE SVA JZR KAC KAC KAC QTR KAC ETD VOS GFA UAE RJA ABY RBG SVA JZR ALK KAC WAN JZR FDB JZR KAC OMA JAI KAC DHX KAC GFA MEA JZR FCX QTR KLM KAC UAE KAC JZR JZR MSR KAC

624 6522 785 611 58 673 646 982 746 501 178 501 613 773 135 743 304 82 216 858 801 128 3556 511 266 228 285 305 134 62 528 331 648 571 543 373 675 218 403 206 102 137 445 301 860 205 502 554 613 411

SOHAG LAMERD JEDDAH CAIRO DUBAI DUBAI MUSCAT BAHRAIN JEDDAH JEDDAH DUBAI BEIRUT BAHRAIN RIYADH DOHA DAMMAM ABU DHABI BAGHDAD BAHRAIN DUBAI AMMAN SHARJAH ALEXANDRIA RIYADH BEIRUT DUBAI / COLOMBO CHITTAGONG CAIRO BAHRAIN DUBAI ASSIUT TRIVANDRUM MUSCAT MUMBAI CAIRO BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN BEIRUT DAMASCUS BAHRAIN DOHA BAHRAIN / AMSTERDAM MUMBAI DUBAI ISLAMABAD LUXOR ALEXANDRIA CAIRO BANGKOK / MANILA

13:30 13:35 13:40 13:55 14:35 15:10 15:15 15:25 15:40 15:45 15:50 16:15 16:20 16:25 16:30 16:40 17:40 18:00 18:05 18:10 18:15 18:25 18:30 18:35 18:40 19:10 19:15 19:15 20:05 20:50 21:00 21:00 21:10 21:15 21:55 22:00 22:10 22:15 22:20 22:20 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:45 22:50 22:55 23:00 23:45 23:45 23:55

34

MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

s ta rs Calvin

CROSSWORD 188

Aries (March 21-April 19) You may be working on a project, only to be interrupted time and time again. It may be better, just for today, to be available for others—your time will come. This would be a good time to insert a bit of laughter and to teach others a more light-hearted way of looking at their life. Education, advertising and travel play a big part in today’s activity and it is all positive. This afternoon you might get help in planting some flower bulbs for a spring show of colors around your home. You could find yourself taking an interest in more spiritual and mystical matters. The direction of your life could turn more to questions of religion and world unity. You and your mate may talk about ideas of where, how or what might come in the future of family life.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Finally, one of the old buddies from school days drops by to catch up on old times, so to speak. Showing off new homes and new areas of interest in the city to friends that have been away from home and visiting with friends creates a time of nostalgia. There is talk of plans and goals among friends. You have many friends and you will probably learn the most from the less aggressive of your acquaintances. One of your friends is always very quiet and pleasant in their conversations. Joy is the inevitable result of gentleness. Joy goes with gentleness as sure as grief attends attack. Joy is the song of thanks. Learning to have joy is creating a mind-set of gratefulness. This is the beginning of an expansive, creative and even romantic phase.

Pooch Cafe ACROSS 1. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

4. A large fleet.

10. Inquire about.

13. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet.

14. Wet through and through.

15. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar.

16. Two items of the same kind.

17. Something that is a source of danger.

18. Thigh of a hog (usually smoked).

19. Any plant of the genus Erica.

21. A religious belief of African origin involving witchcraft and sorcery.

23. An imaginary elephant that appears in a series of French books for children.

24. Tall perennial herb of tropical Asia with dark green leaves.

26. Toward the mouth or oral region.

28. Any member of Athapaskan tribes that migrated to the southwestern desert (from Arizona to Texas and south into Mexico).

32. An anxiety disorder associated with serious traumatic events and characterized by such symptoms as guilt about surviving or reliving the trauma in dreams or numbness and lack of involvement with reality or recurrent thoughts and images.

34. A radioactive element of the actinide series.

36. A sweet filling made of prunes or apricots.

37. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group.

38. A gonadotropic hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary.

39. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

42. Any of several small ungulate mammals of Africa and Asia with rodent-like incisors and feet with hooflike toes.

44. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

47. Green algae common in freshwater lakes of limestone districts.

51. (botany) Of or relating to the axil.

54. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

55. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders.

58. Type genus of the Majidae.

59. A long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur.

60. A male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign).

62. A period of time spent sleeping.

63. Slender bristlelike appendage found on the bracts of grasses.

64. A large Yoruba city in southwestern Nigeria.

65. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) You may find yourself put to good use by your friends today. Someone may suggest some form of entertainment after helping to put a piece of furniture together or painting a hallway, etc. All of this should go rather smoothly. While you are with your friends, you will find yourself giddy and feeling very relaxed among friends. Others may find you especially witty for now. You may decide to discuss with your friends some of the ideas you have about a move or a change in your living quarters—new color scheme, etc., not necessarily a new apartment or home. Others value you for your independence and unique qualities and talents—they may be asking you for advice. You and your friends may decide to go to a movie or a play this evening.

Non Sequitur

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Do not make assumptions concerning your loved ones today. Close relationships offer a lot of potential for growth and good fortune. A marriage or some other partnership can raise high hopes and give your spirits a boost.

People close to you are optimistic and have good prospects for the future. Unconventional hobbies and other forms of selfexpression that break from the norm play a bigger part in your day. A child or lover may be rebellious—or perhaps simply ahead of his or her time.

Resist the urge to criticize. Realize that some of us have to dance to our own drummer. Romance and recreation take on an unusual character, out of step with ordinary expectations. High-tech gambles could pay off big— this may mean a private bet with a sibling.

Leo (July 23-August 22) A friend or someone from your religious gathering may seek you out for advice and council. Your thinking is unique and you influence others with your ideas. Young people enjoy being with you and learning from you and the older people that are around you enjoy your positive energy. A child’s project may gain your attention but you will need to limit yourself to observation; remember it is the child’s project. Become involved in some household activity so you will be nearby to answer questions. This evening a social gathering is enjoyed. Everything conspires to reveal you at your most elegant, particularly in social situations. You demonstrate great understanding and sensitivity to the needs of others and communicate good will.

Zits

DOWN 1. A unit of dry measure used in Egypt.

2. (Zoroastrianism) Title for benevolent deities.

3. South African shrub having flat acuminate leaves and yellow flowers.

4. The capital of Eritrea.

5. Fish eggs or egg-filled ovary.

6. The mansion of the lord of the manor.

7. Jordan’s port.

8. Numbered or proceeding by tens.

9. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice.

10. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

11. A fraudulent business scheme.

12. God of love and erotic desire.

20. One of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes.

22. An accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape.

25. A medicinal drug used to evoke vomiting (especially in cases of drug overdose or poisoning).

27. Small European freshwater fish with a slender bluish-green body.

29. A sudden loss of consciousness resulting when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel leads to oxygen lack in the brain.

30. An ugly evil-looking old woman.

31. A period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event.

33. A hard gray lustrous metallic element that is highly corrosionresistant.

35. A soft silver-white ductile metallic element (liquid at normal temperatures).

40. A port city in southwestern Iran.

41. A room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter.

43. Adopted in order to deceive.

45. Hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped.

46. A sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue separating or binding together muscles and organs etc.

47. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

48. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan River.

49. The seventh month of the Moslem calendar.

50. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man.

52. An aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect.

53. Port city in northwestern Belgium and industrial center.

56. An index of the cost of all goods and services to a typical consumer.

57. South American wood sorrel cultivated for its edible tubers.

61. Half the width of an em.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Organizing or planning ahead for some event always makes for a successful end result. Today the organizing or planning may involve some future travel event or family event. Optimism is important now. Loyalty, dependability and trustworthiness are in you and your mate’s future. These positive aspects of your life will be with you for a long time—hopefully, forever. You and your mate may discuss further education. Further education can improve your working status and should soon be considered. You will be able to take a step up the corporate ladder or at the very least, increase your income potential. A night class together might be fun, especially one that both of you could be equal in understanding—no competition.

Libra (September 23-October 22) On this day, life seems to have slowed a bit—at least your own. Things cannot be forced today. This slower pace brings about a great opportunity to work some more on a project of yours—perhaps a hobby. Your humor is certainly in fine shape. As you join family or friends at a restaurant for the noon meal, you find yourself relaxed and full of good stories to tell. As you refresh others, you will find renewed strength.

Through the twenty-first of the month, you could be more thoughtful than active—good for writing and planning. Pay attention to the amounts of food you eat; easy does it. This is a great time to reflect and understand your own situation. Emotions or the feelings of those around you may be very clear; a nice time.

Mother Goose and Grimm

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You have much energy and drive this day. This is a time that is perfect for participating in some fun outdoor activity. Try to make this a time for socializing—you may not have the weather working with you later. If you are where there are enough people, you might be able to get some sort of team sport organized for the day. Enjoy recreation and later today think about devoting some of your time to creating a plan for working better or improving some situation in your job. You could come up with new solutions or perhaps some new invention(s). Travel of all kinds look good this year and the further you go the better! Try a small wager from time to time, because luck is with you this whole year.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) There could be new responsibilities at home, perhaps a few you had not planned. Young or elderly people may enjoy your company for a time today as you could be working on a creative project to help teach, entertain or divert their attention for a little while.

You may, however, find yourself somewhat at odds with someone around you. There is a lot going on and you want to focus on doing the best you can. At times, you may feel you are working against the flow of energies but it won’t take you long to add your positive self to the potion in order to change things for the better. It is advisable to take a few breaks during the day in order to re-energize and catch your breath. By late this afternoon, you are ready to visit a bookstore or enjoy a movie.

Yesterday’s Solution

Yester

Yesterday’s Solution To

INTERNATIONAL CALLS Kuwait Qatar Abu Dhabi Dubai Raas Al Khayma Al-Shareqa Muscat Jordan Bahrain Riyadh Makkah - Jeddah Cairo Alexandria Beirut Damascus Allepo

00965 00974 009712 009714 009717 009716 00968 009626 00973 009661 009662 00202 00203 009611 0096311 0096321

Tunisia Rabat Washington New York Paris London Madrid Zurich Geneva Monaco Rome Bangkok Hong Kong Pakistan Taiwan Bonn

0021610 002127 001212 001718 00331 004471 00341 00411 004122 0033 00396 00662 00852 0092 00886 0049228

Word Sleuth Solution

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) You may not feel like concentrating on a health program or exercise routine but very few of us can operate well without some good muscle tone. If you begin to work yourself into a routine of exercise now, as you get older the routine will come naturally. You will certainly help to assuage painful joints through exercise. The fun part is in finding something you can do with a group of people and if this is not going to the gym together, a bicycle tour or a run might be just the thing. You will find exercise will release stress. Any tension around you at this time is very disturbing and others will find you patiently using your sense of humor to diffuse tension. This evening you may be helping family members pack up to return home or to college after the holiday break.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You teach honesty every day with your own behavior. Continued interaction with neighbors over community concerns may create some round-table discussions or at least a group conversation over the fence. Open communication and an agreement to be watchful and communicative in helping to alert others to any changes or unusual happenings may be the beginning of a bi-monthly neighborhood gathering. In order to keep everything simple but open, perhaps all could agree on a monthly date to give each other a call and rotate the responsibility by house number. Speaking of calls, answer the phone today; you may find that someone is looking to pay back a debt! If your creative project is not finished you might enjoy applying the final changes now.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) A friend may bend your ear today in hopes of finding some helpful answers. You have a kind heart and a willingness to listen; make sure you are inoculated against negative vibrations. An option here is to leave good thoughts.

You will find yourself shopping or looking at real estate later today.

Whether you want to sell or buy, you will want legal advice before making up your mind. It would not be wise to let yourself be talked into signing any papers until you get a second opinion. Your ability to communicate is at a high but your ability to act may seem blocked. Work on your tax papers this evening; you may uncover some important information for making positive changes to this year’s income. Your attitude is one of cooperation.

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i n f o r m at i o n

Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw

FIRE BRIGADE Operation Room 112 Al-Madena 22418714 Al-Shohada始a 22545171 Al-Shuwaikh 24810598 Al-Nuzha 22545171 Sabhan 24742838 Al-Helaly 22434853 Al-Fayhaa 22545051 Al-Farwaniya 24711433 Al-Sulaibikhat 24316983 Al-Fahaheel 23927002 Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh 24316983 Ahmadi 23980088 Al-Mangaf 23711183 Al-Shuaiba 23262845 Al-Jahra 25610011 Al-Salmiya 25616368

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 HOSPITALS Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

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24849400

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24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

POLICE STATION Al-Madena Police Station Al-Murqab Police Station Al-Daiya Police Station Al-Fayha始a Police Station Al-Qadissiya Police Station Al-Nugra Police Station Al-Salmiya Police Station Al-Dasma Police Station

24874330/9

CLINICS Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

Al-Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W.Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Al-Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

4892674

Al-Omariya

4719048

N.Kheitan

4710044

Rabiya

4732263

Fintas

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988 AIRLINES Kuwait Airways Wataniya Airways Jazeera Airways Jet Airways Qatar Airways KLM Air Slovakia Olympic Airways Royal Jordanian Reservation British Airways Air France Emirates Air India Sri Lanka Airlines Egypt Air Swiss Air Saudia Middle East Airlines Lufthansa PIA Alitalia Balkan Airlines Bangladesh Airlines Czech Airlines 22417901/2433141 Indian Airlines Oman Air Turkish Airlines

PHARMACIES ON 24 HRS DUTY GOVERNORATE Ahmadi

PHARMACY Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

ADDRESS Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

PHONE 23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264

Hawally

3900322

EMERGENCY 112

Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea Dr. Masoma Habeeb Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy Dr. Mohsen Abel Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly

25622444 25752222 25321171 25739999 25757700 25732223 25732223

Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT): Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners: Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists: Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Plastic Surgeons: Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

Dr. Sohail Qamar Dr. Snaa Maaroof Dr. Pradip Gujare Dr. Zacharias Mathew

25625030/60

Family Doctor: Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581

22621099 25713514 23713100 24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

25722291 22666288

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290

(2) Plastic Surgeon 22635047 22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians: Dr Adrian Harbe 23729596/23729581 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 8321 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 General Surgeons:

Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

Dr. Deyaa Shehab Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22610044 25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart: Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Paediatricians: Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444

Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535 Dentists:

ext

Dr Anil Thomas

3729596/3729581

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

Neurologists: Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Endocrinologist: Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari

25658888

Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD:

Internist, Chest & Heart: DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 210 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Tel: 25339667 Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Consultant Cardiologist Tel: 2611555-2622555 Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123 Psychologists/Psychotherapists Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, Ph.D. 2290-1677 Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg, M.A. 2290-1677 William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

22433377 24379900 177 22924455 22423888 22425747 22434940 22420002/9 22418064/5/6 22433388 22425635 22430224 22425566 22438184 22424444 22421578 22421516 22426306 22423073 22422493 22421044 22414427 22416474 22452977/8 22456700 22412284/5 22453820/1

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists:

22434064 22435865 22544200 22547133 22515277 22616662 25714406 22530801

Ext

Afghanistan 0093 Albania 00355 Algeria 00213 Andorra 00376 Angola 00244 Anguilla 001264 Antiga 001268 Argentina 0054 Armenia 00374 Australia 0061 Austria 0043 Bahamas 001242 Bahrain 00973 Bangladesh 00880 Barbados 001246 Belarus 00375 Belgium 0032 Belize 00501 Benin 00229 Bermuda 001441 Bhutan 00975 Bolivia 00591 Bosnia 00387 Botswana 00267 Brazil 0055 Brunei 00673 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Burundi 00257 Cambodia 00855 Cameroon 00237 Canada 001 Cape Verde 00238 Cayman Islands 001345 Central African Republic 00236 Chad 00235 Chile 0056 China 0086 Colombia 0057 Comoros 00269 Congo 00242 Cook Islands 00682 Costa Rica 00506 Croatia 00385 Cuba 0053 Cyprus 00357 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Czech Republic 00420 Denmark 0045 Diego Garcia 00246 Djibouti 00253 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Ecuador 00593

Egypt 0020 El Salvador 00503 England (UK) 0044 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Eritrea 00291 Estonia 00372 Ethiopia 00251 Falkland Islands 00500 Faroe Islands 00298 Fiji 00679 Finland 00358 France 0033 French Guiana 00594 French Polynesia 00689 Gabon 00241 Gambia 00220 Georgia 00995 Germany 0049 Ghana 00233 Gibraltar 00350 Greece 0030 Greenland 00299 Grenada 001473 Guadeloupe 00590 Guam 001671 Guatemala 00502 Guinea 00224 Guyana 00592 Haiti 00509 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Honduras 00504 Hong Kong 00852 Hungary 0036 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Iceland 00354 India 0091 Indian Ocean 00873 Indonesia 0062 Iran 0098 Iraq 00964 Ireland 00353 Italy 0039 Ivory Coast 00225 Jamaica 001876 Japan 0081 Jordan 00962 Kazakhstan 007 Kenya 00254 Kiribati 00686 Kuwait 00965 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Laos 00856 Latvia 00371 Lebanon 00961 Liberia 00231

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the yder says inchy Str irl’s g a in w to best way m with lavish the heart is to My System’ rap‘In gifts. The p tip for led his to a e v re r e p to spoil a babe is ies bedding lad cause all them, be d. He re e e pamp b to e v lo getting men love said: “Wo tion. It’s the en lots of att akes them haptm thing tha on. I rns them e tu py and to b irl wants think a g make o ecial. Y u sp d te a e tr ’re ‘The l like they ses! I them fee rpri y love su One’. The a girl’s t ed up a once turn ave her a bag. dg house an jewellery thes and lo c e Som ke some li d it!” Un e v lo e sh hy isn’t nds, Tinc t and of his frie en commitm to the afraid of rd a ing forw he is look married to the ts day he ge

he Oscar-w in from Burb ning actress - who err re be enjoyin y model Louis Dow cently split g a new ro ler - is said man and th mance to lunch tog e pair were spotted with a mystery ether last h a v in g a three-h week at ex restaurant our clu S Sunday ne cott’s. An onlooker sive London told The M wspaper: “K ail on chocolate ate enjoye fo of love. “Sh ndant dessert - she d oysters and a e w ting for ho looked very conten as eating the food urs. She w t. They we a re chatand then s in fits of late g seemed th r they looked very iggles at one stage ey were h serious to avin ge and she cla sped his h g an in-depth disc ther. “It Kate finall ands over ussion yp th When the aid the bill, it was g e table. When p e years - fina air - who have know tting dark.” ll n for them to y left, they asked w each other for ait anyone to leave separately as ers to arrange th se split from e them together. T ey didn’t want Lo h wanted so uis in November sa e ‘Titanic’ star y m breakdow e time alone follow ing she n in Mendes in of her marriage to d g the ir M who has a arch. A source clo ector Sam se se as well as ven-year-old son, Jo to Kate a 10-yearold daugh e, with Sam, her first m ter, Mia, fr arriage to om Jim the split: “L ouis was ju Threapleton - said ed after h of st the tonic er had a won painful split from S Kate needam and th d ey ship isn’t w erful time. Howeve r, the relati orking and onbe on her K a te n e ed ow Louis for h n. “She is very gra s space to teful to elping her after her m pic arriage en k her life back up had a lot o ded and th f e felt it had fun together, but sh y come to a e n end and wants to c o career and ncentrate on her children.”

T

r e d y r t S spoils his babes T

ially for g - espec g. a big thin is th an’s in It’s a wom plained: . x e ls ir e e. I g H l. ’t scare m arabout right gir t it doesn m thought u t B s e y a g lw to a want “I’ve a house definitely .” , kids and get e g ia rr a m day ou ried one f life. As y it’s part o alize marriage re older you

Kate W i nslet

has a new love intere st

Lautner was shocked

by Twilight saga aylor Lautner didn’t know what he was letting himself in for when he signed up for the first ‘Twilight Saga’. The 18-year-old actor who plays werewolf Jacob Black in the vampire saga - admits the level of fame and attention he has received because of the vampire franchise was a huge surprise. He said: “I just met the director and had no idea what I was getting myself into.” However, the teenage star insists he has no regrets about any of his time in the movie series and is delighted with how his career is panning out. He added: “It’s been great from then on”. Taylor - who is expected to make over $25 million for ‘Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn’, which will be split into two movies also praised his “supportive” family, saying that they help to keep his feet on the ground. He said: “I’m definitely thankful to have a supportive family, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.” The actor recently admitted he still lives at home with his parents, and is expected to help out around the house. He said: “I help out with the lawn, garbage, dishes”. Even when he is away filming, Taylor’s parents don’t let him off his duties when he returns to the family home. He joked: “When I come back, I have extra mowing to do.”

T

Swank surprised by success ilary Swank still can’t believe she is a famous actress. Despite being an H Oscar winner, the ‘Conviction’ star still finds

it odd to think of herself as a Hollywood superstar because in her head she’s still the same person she was growing up. And she could scarcely believe it when she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007. She said: “I remember going to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and seeing everyone’s names and the Hollywood sign. To later get my name on

the Walk of Fame was a big moment. Really moving.” Although she finds it hard to think of herself as a famous movie star, Hilary is very grateful for her career and credits her mother Judy for pushing her to be successful. She said: “Mom called up an agency, which is really rare, and she just said, ‘My daughter’s really beautiful and talented, you should meet her.’ I went and read for a McDonald’s commercial, they signed me up and I was with them for five years.”

Sir Elton John inspired by late friend to start a family ir Elton John was inspired to become a father after the sudden death of his friend. The ‘Rocket Man’ singer - who, along with husband David Furnish, celebrated the birth of son Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John on Christmas Day via a surrogate mother - had previously resisted David’s pleas for them to start a family together but changed his mind after musician Guy Babylon died of a heart attack in September 2009. Guy’s widow Kathy - mother of his three children - told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: “Elton was there for us right away. He came to the house and said, ‘What can I do? Can I help with anything?’

“He was really devastated, but he wanted above all to make sure we were okay. He was worried about

S

me and the kids. “He said nothing else in his life had really hit him like that. He told me then that Guy and our family had inspired him to start a family of his own.” Elton, 63, and David, 48, then tried to adopt 14month-old HIV-positive Ukrainian orphan Lev but were rejected because of Elton’s age and the country’s opposition to gay parents.

However, Kathy says the rejection made them more determined to become parents. She added: “Elton told me it wasn’t working out with the Ukrainian adoption but he wasn’t giving up hope of having a child.

“I am just really happy for him. I think it’s fabulous that his baby was born on Christmas Day - Guy’s birthday was on December 20. “He and David will be great parents. Elton has such a big heart.”

Flockhart feels secure in marriage alista Flockhart feels more secure in her relationship since marrying Harrison Ford. The former ‘Ally McBeal’ star tied the knot with the ‘Indiana Jones’ actor last year and says their romance has been enhanced by marriage because she knows they’re both in it for good. She said: “It made it better, because there’s no way out. Well, there is, but it’s not one you want to entertain very often. In an argument, I just say, okay, don’t turn into a rapid pit bull so much any more.” While she is blissfully happy with Harrison, Calista who adopted nine-year-old son Liam just a year before meeting the Hollywood star in 2002 admitted she was initially wary about their relationship because of their 22-year age gap. The 46year-old actress told Sunday Times Style magazine: “I thought, ‘This is ridiculous, he’s way too old for me, I’m way to young.’ But you can’t help who you fall in love with and I fell in love with him. It might be an issue in the future, but, as of now, it really hasn’t been. “I like to tease him about it. I use it against him. He’s lived a very long time, you know.

He knows everything. I say, ‘Yes, honey, you’re very old, we know that.’ “

C

heryl Cole sealed her romance with Derek Hough by sharing a public kiss with him on New Year’s Eve. The ‘Promise This’ singer who has always refused to confirm whether she is dating dancer Derek despite constantly being linked to him - is currently on a romantic holiday in South Africa with the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ hunk and decided to prove her love for him by welcoming in 2011 with a passionate embrace. A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: “Cheryl and Derek are together and don’t care who knows it.

She wanted to spend New Year’s Eve with Derek because she sees her

C

Cole seals romance with a kiss future with him. 2010 was the worst year of Cheryl’s life. But now she is looking forward to happier times with Derek.” Cheryl - who, last year, divorced soccer player husband Ashley Cole and battled potentially-fatal disease malaria, which she contracted during a trip to Africa with Derek - and Derek flew to Cape Town on Wednesday and attended the lavish party thrown by American property mogul Preston Haskell. Sources at the exclusive bash claim the pair couldn’t keep their hands off each other, with one saying: “It was so adorable to see Cheryl and Derek and how happy they were. If anyone didn’t believe they were a couple, the New Year’s Eve party proved they are. They only had eyes for each other and ignored everyone else.” Cheryl, 27, is set to move to Los Angeles this year after reportedly signing a deal to become a judge on the US version of ‘The X Factor’ and Derek is said to be thrilled as it means they will be spending more time together. —Bang Showbiz

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lifestyle

M U S I C

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M O V I E S

‘Tourist’ stars’ roaming lifestyles make them global icons

lead Latin crossover

By Anthony Breznican

in 2010

J

ohnny Depp and Angelina Jolie may be living tourist destinations.

Whenever they appear in public, a crowd gathers-a big one-which is news to no one, except perhaps director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, who found himself trying to film a scene with them at a Venice train station before an audience of hundreds, maybe thousands, of spectators. “Why is it we go so crazy about actors?” he says. “What is it that makes 70,000 people stand around a train station while we’re shooting a little scene there, shouting ‘Angie!’ and ‘Johnny!’ at the top of their lungs?”

Seventy thousand? The filmmaker laughs.

“That’s what it felt like. It felt like being at a rock concert.” The two stars of “The Tourist,” which opened Friday, are among only a handful of actors who count these days as global figures. Depp is the titular tourist, with Jolie playing a mysterious woman who draws him into her dangerous world. As the film’s producer Graham King (“The Departed”) says, they connect with people “whether it’s Venice, Calif., or Venice, Italy.” “To be successful in this business, you’ve got to have chemistry with the audience,” King says.

Part of the reason may be their wandering personalities — a nomadic tendency that may lend each of them a cross-cultural familiarity. Each has a rebellious spirit, a defiance and individuality, all virtues that aren’t restricted to any border. “Here we have people who will not let themselves be defined by anyone except themselves,” says von Donnersmarck, an Oscar winner for the German drama “The Lives of Others.” “(As actors) they have the ability to make that spirit visible.”

USA Today talked with both Depp and Jolie about wanderlust, war zones and going incognito. One of Johnny Depp’s favorite things to do is go people-watching, which is inconvenient because a favorite activity of many people is Johnny Depp-watching.

“There was a strange moment, and I don’t quite know when it happened, but for an actor, like a journalist in a way, the initial ingredient to the gig is to observe the situation you’re in, to observe people,” Depp says.

“I’m still fascinated watching people. But at a certain point, the coin flipped and I became the one being observed. It sort of puts a damper on me being the observer.”

When he visits a place, he says, “I still get the opportunity to at least soak up as much of the place and culture as possible and hang about and learn about it.” Mostly that involves trying to go unnoticed. Cover of darkness helps. In “The Tourist,” Depp plays an American who travels to Europe to mend his broken heart. There he meets a beautiful woman (Jolie) who leads him into a web of intrigue.

“When I was in Venice (shooting “The Tourist”), I couldn’t necessarily go around town in the daytime. But come 10 o’clock at night, when the majority of people are off the streets, I could walk freely, say, between the hours of 10 pm and 2 am I’d get my Venice fill and then go back to the hotel and go to work.” The actor, 47, was born in Kentucky and lived there until about age 8, when his family moved to South Florida. But, like Jolie, he doesn’t have one place he considers home.

“We’re kind of all over the place. I live wherever the location for the film demands.

We spend time in Los Angeles when we can, and as much time in France as much as possible, where we have a place down in the south,” says Depp, who has two children with French actress Vanessa Paradis. “In the last year, I’ve spent time in LA, Venice, a couple months in Hawaii, some time in Puerto Rico, four months in London,” he says with a laugh.

“It’s been a real nomadic ride this year.”

The circus-like existence is “something I’ve always loved,” he adds. “I’ve been doing it, boy, very consistently now for 20-something years. It’s still as fascinating as the first time I left the US and went to the Philippines.” That was in 1986, when the then-22-year-old had a small role in Oliver Stone’s Oscar-winning “Platoon.” “When I went to the Philippines, I had a wide array of emotions. We landed on March 5, 1986, and (Ferdinand) Marcos, the president of the Philippines, had been ousted just prior to that. There was a huge revolution. Corazon Aquino had taken office, there were tanks in the streets, insurgents, bombs.

It was really wild. And for a kid of 22 or something, it was like, ‘What?’ “It was disconcerting, to say the least.

And then of course, Oliver had us all driven into the jungle, where we dug our own holes and lived for like three weeks.” Part of Depp’s personality is being able to find the exotic in places that might seem anything but. “The first time you walk into a London pub and order a pint, the atmosphere in those places, that culture, pub culture, hasn’t changed in a thousand years.” One of his favorite locations was the American Southwest, which he fell for while making a small film called “Arizona Dream” in 1993.

“I spent nine months on location in Douglas, Ariz, which is this border town next to Nogales, Mexico. It’s a tiny little town, but couldn’t have been happier there. It was a fascinating, fascinating little place. “Then you go up through these really cool little towns like Bisbee, Ariz, and then over to Tucson, Flagstaff and Phoenix. Anywhere I’ve been on location, I always find something fascinating or great about it.”

This conversation is happening by phone; Depp is in Paris, where the December weather has been dusting the streets with snow. He plans to sneak out at night to enjoy some of his favorite parts of the city. “I’m still like a little kid with that stuff,” he says. —MCT

Iglesias, Daddy Yankee

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Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp star in “The Tourist.” —MCT

British government bids to save Beatle’s birthplace

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he British government stepped in yesterday to stop Beatles legend Ringo Starr’s birthplace from being bulldozed. Housing Minister Grant Shapps has written to Liverpool City Council urging a temporary reprieve for 9 Madryn Street, in the Dingle district, which is scheduled for demolition. The childhood homes of bandmates John Lennon and Paul McCartney are popular tourist attractions in the northwest English city, run by the National Trust, which looks after many of Britain’s most treasured buildings and beauty spots.

Liverpool City Council says 445 pre1919 terraced houses in Dingle are “beyond economic repair” and has

decided to tear them down. The decision was taken in August but a planning committee is to discuss the details this month. Shapps said he wanted viable local proposals to preserve Starr’s childhood home to be given full consideration and said the people of Liverpool should have the final decision. “Any regeneration project will generate strong feelings,” he wrote. “But when what many people consider to be a culturally important building such as the birthplace of the drummer in the world’s most famous band-is at risk then feelings are going to be even stronger.

“That is why, before a single bulldozer rumbles along Madryn Street, I want to ensure that every option has been

considered.” A council spokesman said local residents had been extensively consulted and were “absolutely sick of the delays and the conditions they have to live in. “They want the city council to demolish these properties as soon as possible so that they can get on with their lives,” he said. The Beatles-Starr, rhythm guitarist Lennon, bassist McCartney and lead guitarist George Harrison-burst out of Liverpool to dominate pop music in the 1960s. Harrison’s childhood home remains a private house, while the home where Starr spent most of his upbringing is still standing. Starr, now 70, sang lead on Beatles favorites like “With a Little Help from My Friends”, “Yellow Submarine” and “Octopus’s Garden”.—AFP

atin music danced in 2010. It was a year of upbeat songs in which urban, tropical and pop music came together as never before, whether in collaboration by stars from historically segmented Latin genres or mixes from young artists built on bachata and other traditionally tropical rhythms. Enrique Iglesias and Juan Luis Guerra had the No 1 song on Billboard’s year-end Hot Latin Songs chart with the breezy, bachata-tinged “Cuando Me Enamoro,” while Shakira stepped further onto the dancefloor on tracks with Calle 13 and Dominican rapper El Cata. Daddy Yankee sought world domination with a global club sound that freely mixes vocoder with Caribbean beats, while Wisin & Yandel continued to chart the more seductive side of reggaetn. “Nina Bonita” by Venezuelans Chino y Nacho, who describe their sound as music of the Caribbean meets rhythm of the city, and Prince Royce’s bachata version of “Stand by Me” were instant hits.

By December, these kinds of fusions had heated up Latin radio so much that four of the top five Hot Latin Songs were dance tracks with some mix of urban, tropical and pop, edging out the dominant regional Mexican music. With a collage of elements that mirrors the year’s general dance pop music trend while incorporating distinctly Latin sounds and Spanish lyrics, it’s music that’s courting the mainstream while still resonating with young Latinos. “All Hispanic kids no matter what their background are buying into it,” says producer Sergio George, whose Top Stop Music propelled Bronx-based newcomer Royce from an underground, baseball cap-wearing bachata artist to a well-dressed performer at the Latin Grammy Awards. His track “Stand by Me” was one of 2010’s freshest Latin songs, landing at No 16 on the yearend Hot Latin Songs chart, and his current single, “Corazon Sin Cara,” reached No 4 on the Dec 11 weekly list. “Whether they’re Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, they don’t care anymore where the music’s from,” George says.

“They’re all listening to American music, first of all.

These are fourth-generation Hispanic kids, they’re American kids. Most of them were born and raised here. So they want to be hip but they still want to retain their culture, with the [Spanish] language. And as long as it’s something that’s cool, hip and danceable, they’re seeing it as theirs.” —Reuters

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Enrique Iglesi

Shania Twain

Great wizards (and witches) we have known

By Sarah Bryan Miller

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izards and witches have long appeared on both the pages of popular fiction and screens large and small. The appeal is obvious: Who hasn’t wanted to be able to simply wave a wand, recite a spell and effect a magical change on some person, object or situation? Harry Potter and the other denizens of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world repopularized the genre with a clear-cut story of good versus evil and the chemistry of plain old human relationships: Kids will be kids, politics are politics and frequently dirty, and life does not always flow smoothly.

To mark the seventh film in the series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1” (“Part Two” will be released in the summer), we pay tribute to some of the significant sorcerers who have, in one way or another, enchanted us. Some of them are old-school necromancers who study spells and potions; some are frauds; some are wizards in other ways; and some are None of the Above.

• Merlin the Magician, and his opposite number in the world of the Round Table, King Arthur’s magical half-sister Morgan le Fay: Since Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote his “Historia Regum Britanniae ( The History of the Kings of Britain)” in the 1130s, the wizard Merlin and the witchy Morgan have been seen as the supernatural powers behind Arthur’s throne, contending on many levels. Merlin’s legend has had far more staying power than Morgan’s; perhaps the idea of a strong, beautiful enchantress was just too threatening to some people.

• Nicholas Flamel: In the world of Harry

Potter and other fantasies (including Michael Scott’s six-book fantasy series “The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel”), he invented the philosopher’s stone, which changes lead into gold. In real life, from the early 1330s to about 1418, he was a scrivener and alchemist, and a devout churchgoer.

• Gandalf and colleagues from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”: These color-coded wizards — Gandalf the Grey, Saruman the White and Radagast the Brown-have oversight duties in Middle Earth. Gandalf is (unaccountably, from Saruman’s perspective) fond of hobbits, and he and Saruman both move large chunks of plot, with and without the use of magic. Gandalf, rather like Tolkien himself, enjoys a pint and a pipe, and exhibits a puckish sense of humor.

• Harry Potter, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape et al: “The Boy Who Lived” and the characters who shelter him, attack him or befriend him are some of the liveliest and most distinctive ever penned. Lots of mystery surrounds most wizards, but not Harry and the other students at Hogwarts: talent isn’t worth much if you don’t work to develop it. Over the course of seven novels (and, soon, eight movies) Harry comes to grips with his parents’ deaths and their failings, faces down enormous evil and embraces amazing good, while growing up and finding his way in a world that’s unusually fraught.

• The Wizard of Oz: The man behind the curtain has superior technology and great PR, but he’s not magical at all-he’s from Kansas. His enemy, the Wicked Witch of the West, really is magical, but in the end a kid with a bucket of water brings her down.

• The Sorcerer in “ The Sorcerer’s

weds on New Year’s Day

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Apprentice”: What did we say about doing your homework? First came Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s poem “Der Zauberlehrling,” written in 1797; then came Paul Dukas’ 1987 tone poem “L’apprenti sorcier.” Then, in 1940, came “Fantasia,” with the star power of Mickey Mouse to make the music and story popular around the world. This sorcerer is definitely magical, and definitely scary.

• Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who and Mrs Which from Madeleine L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time”: Are they witches or angels or what?

No one knows exactly, but they can move across time and space. The ways in which they work and help Meg, her little brother Charles Wallace and Calvin are clearly magical-in a good way.

• Mr Wizard: Don Herbert, host of the early TV show “Watch Mr Wizard,” wasn’t a magician, but he performed simple science experiments that looked like wizardry and entertained a generation of American kids. Besides, as science fiction author Arthur C Clarke postulated, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

• “The Wizards of Waverly Place”: The Disney Channel show explores the lives of a wizard family with three children who live not in a remote hinterland but in New York City. In this version of a wizarding world, a magical contest eventually takes place between siblings. Only one will continue to be a wizard as an adult. For that reason, their father-who himself lost out to one of his sibs-tries to impress the same thing on his children that generations of parents have told their liberal arts-major offspring: You have to have a backup plan, because this magic thing may not work out. — MCT

ountry pop diva Shania Twain celebrated New Year’s Day by getting married Saturday, in a private ceremony on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, her manager said. Twain tied the knot with Frederic Thiebaud, two years after splitting with her husband of 14 years Robert Lange-who allegedly had an affair with Thiebaud’s then wife. The couple announced their engagement last month, and chose a romantic island location to exchange vows hours after seeing in 2011. “They were married at sunset in Rincon, Puerto Rico, in front of 40 of their closest family and friends,” Twain’s manager Jason Owen told said in a statement to cited on the Canadian-born singer’s website.

Celebrity bible People magazine reported that the pair became romantically involved in 2009, finding solace after their respective spouses allegedly had an affair which broke up both marriages. In a letter to fans in December, Twain wrote: “In the last two and a half years of adjusting to life after separation and divorce, I needed to lean on others more often than I was accustomed to. “I am excited to share some personal news with you: I’m in love!” she said, adding that Thiebaud was “a compassionate, understanding friend and over time, an amazing love has blossomed from this precious friendship.” Twain and music producer Lange had married in 1993, six months after meeting. Living between homes in New Zealand and Switzerland, the couple had a son who was six when they separated. — AFP

File photo shows Shania Twain sits with Frederic Thiebaud, left, during the third period of an NHL hockey game between the Nashville Predators and the Los Angeles Kings in Los Angeles. — AP

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MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

Years

lifestyle T R A V E L

Angkor Wat’s detour is a search for wisdom

By Thomas Huang

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e came to Angkor Wat seeking enlightenment. He prayed that the spirits of the Khmer kings would whisper wisdom, nudging him out of his midlife drift. He hoped that the apsaras, the celestial dancers in bas-relief murals, would fill his faltering heart with hope. He wished that Garuda, the bird-man of Hindu myth, would carry him skyward to behold the fields below, and the forests with a horrific past. Instead, he found Vithou.

Vithou, in his late 20s, looked no older than 14. A wisp of a mustache shaded his upper lip. When he smiled, I couldn’t tell whether he was grinning or scowling. Like most of Angkor Wat’s tour guides, he resembled a Boy Scout in his tan shirt and dark slacks.

I had just checked in to the Hotel de la Paix in Siem Reap when he approached. He told me that I could hire him through the hotel’s tour desk. I asked him to take me through the temples for the next two days. It was a snap decision I would come to regret.

Dreams had brought me here. Last year, while on an elliptical trainer at the gym (literally running at a standstill), I flipped through a National Geographic.

The photo spread mesmerized me. I wanted to see the five spires of Angkor Wat, the best preserved of a thousand temples in Angkor, the capital of the Khmer kingdom, established in the 9th century. It was the largest pre-industrial city in the world, home to as many as 1 million people.

By the 14th century, the region was abandoned. Theories of the kingdom’s demise range from disease to Thai invaders. Some scholars think Angkor got too big for its own good, its infrastructure failing the population. Others hypothesize that the inland city became obsolete when the sea trade grew in importance.

Whatever happened, happened. The jungle swallowed the temples.

Centuries passed. Cambodians say they never forgot Angkor. But the rest of the world didn’t take interest until 1860, when a French naturalist named Henri Mouhot came upon the ruins.

Archeologists hurried here, but then came years of conflict, and then came the Khmer Rouge regime and the genocide, and then came civil war.

He had risen before dawn to tour the temples with Vithou. He wanted to see the sandstone walls in the pink light. But they were joined by hundreds of other tourists, all elbowing one another to take the iconic sunrise photo. He had wanted adventure in his life.

Out of vanity, he had hoped to impress his loved ones. Instead, he couldn’t keep the Korean tourists with their floppy hats out of his camera’s view.

And then there was Vithou with his sad story. He had grown up in Siem Reap, watched it blossom from dusty village to a mecca of five-star hotels. His parents had wanted him to become a Buddhist monk;

he spent a week at a temple, but it wasn’t for him. He got a desk job at a hotel (blessed be the air-conditioning), but was ousted for some unstated reason.

He ended up as a tour guide.

The sweltering day arrived. They clambered up and down the ruins.

They visited the Bayon in Angkor Thom, with its serene carved faces.

They entered Ta Prohm, with its giant trees sprouting from piles of stone. An Italian girl in a sarong emerged from the shadows. She wore lacy gloves, taking photos with a long lens. She was from Milan, and he imagined her as a romantic figure from a modern-day “A Room With a View.” But she would not return his gaze.

Vithou was a cross between Eddie Haskell of “Leave It to Beaver” and Chucky, the doll from the “Child’s Play” movies. Like Haskell, he was ingratiating, but always playing the angles. And like Chucky, he wouldn’t leave you alone. He wouldn’t stop talking, or touching my arm, even when I wanted to absorb the sacred nature of the temples. He kept telling the same stories.

And yet he wouldn’t answer my questions, including one about why the Khmer Rouge hadn’t totally decimated Angkor Wat. He brought me to a breakfast place and expected me to pay for his meal.

He kept telling me when to take photos and when not to. “I can take whatever photo I want to,” I finally said, annoyed. In a dark temple, as we crouched down to look at a stone figure behind some rubble, he pulled me forward. “Please,” I said, “don’t pull me.”

The final straw came on the second day of our tour. Several times, he grimaced, rubbed his stomach and asked me to take him out for fried rice. I’d had enough. I asked the driver to drop him off at the hotel.

As we said goodbye, I still couldn’t tell whether Vithou was grinning or scowling. Suddenly, I asked myself: Why do I think I’m any better than he is? My heart began to soften. Here was a young man who was trying to make the best of his situation, trying to

make as much money as he could to help his family. Why should I resent his behavior? Since when had I become the arrogant tourist?

He came to Angkor Wat seeking enlightenment and adventure. Instead, he left with questions. That night, in a car speeding south to Phnom Penh, on a road once plagued by bandits, he looked at the moon, full and low in the sky. The moon was sacred, too, and he wondered whether any of his loved ones were gazing at her right now. He felt so far removed from them, and he wondered how he had created this geography within his own heart.

If you go: Getting there: You can fly to Siem Reap from several Asian cities, including Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.

There’s also a short flight from Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, on Bangkok Air. Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, is about three miles south of the main temple.

If you like the water, you can take a boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap via Tonle Sap Lake. The trip takes several hours and costs about $35. If you’re on a budget, you can make the trip on a bus for as little as $11. If you do so, guidebooks recommend bringing earplugs, because the Cambodian pop music played on the buses can get loud.

Finding a guide: I booked my guide through my hotel’s tour desk for a pricey $40 per day. You can probably do better by checking out the tour companies near the Old Market.

Guidebooks also recommend Diethelm (www.diethelmtravel.com) and Exotissimo (www.exotissimo.com) — top tour operators, but also expensive.

My advice would be to bring a good guidebook on the temples and see them on

your own, unless you’re the kind of person who enjoys every single anecdote about King Suryavarman II. If you’d really like to get a guide, try hiring him or her for just a day and see whether you get much out of the experience.

Visiting the temples: Entrance fees for Angkor Wat are $20 for a oneday ticket, $40 for a three-day ticket and $60 for a one-week ticket. The temples are open from 5:30 am to 5:30 pm I’d recommend a two- to three-day visit, including seeing the main temple at sunrise one day. The area containing the major temples, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei and Preah Khan, is about 16 square miles. You can hire a driver for about $25 a day, or a tuk-tuk (a cart pulled by a motorbike) for about $16, or a motorcycle taxi for about $8.

For a view of Angkor Wat at sunrise or sunset, enter the front of the compound, walk about halfway toward the main temple and make a left or right onto the fields. Even if you go early, you’ll probably be competing with a crowd, but that’s your best chance at a great photo.

Many of the temples are undergoing restoration, so you’ll find certain sections closed to visitors. Cambodia is hot and sunny, so hit the temples early in the day. Bring a small backpack with bottles of water, and wear sunscreen and a cap. To get the most out of your visit, it does help to be physically fit. Climbing up the steep steps of several of the temples, clambering around the ruins, just traveling from temple to temple-all of it can get grueling, especially in the heat.

While some temples in Cambodia’s Angkor Wat complex prohibit climbing, others welcome visitors to clamber up and down the ruins. —MCT Other sights: If you’re tired of the temples, the Angkor National Museum is a nice respite, and it’s airconditioned. You’ll find a room with 1,000 Buddha statues and a model of the main temple. The Old Market is in the heart of town and is a good place to buy souvenirs and T-shirts. You can haggle with the vendors to your heart’s content.

Cambodia’s official currency, US dollars can be used anywhere in the country, and most of the ATMs spit out dollars.

— MCT

Other tips: The Caltex gas station (also known as Starmart) in the middle of town on National Route 6 is a good allpurpose convenience store. You can get coffee and croissants there, and there’s an ATM inside.

While the riel is

If you want to get the most out of a visit to Cambodia’s temples, it’s helpful to be physically fit. —MCT

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MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

Years

Jerusalem

lifestyle T R A V E L

sings with history and unexpected harmony

By Jane Wooldridge “Don’t you want to go to Bethlehem?” the taxi driver asks. Most restaurants are shuttered on this Jewish holiday of Shavuot, and taxis are few.

But Avi, a Palestinian Christian, shadows the tourist haunts, hoping for business. I first catch him on a street, then at the Israel Museum (home to the Dead Sea Scrolls), then at the door of the palatial King David Hotel. Always, his question is the same: “Don’t you want to go to Bethlehem?” It’s only a 30-minute drive, he explains.

Hesitation on my part, and a deep breath. Bethlehem lies behind the political and sandstone curtain dividing lands Jewish and Palestinian, on the contentious West Bank. Finally, a friend and I give in to the magnetism of history, and in the early morning hours, we ride off with Avi toward “the little town” memorialized in the beloved Yuletide hymn.

We’re shuttled to a welcoming gift shop, then picked up by a guide and van who will take us the few blocks to the Church of the Nativity, built

by Queen Helene, mother of the Roman emperor Constantine, on the spot believed to be Jesus’ birthplace.

We scurry to a chapel beneath the sanctuary, a snug space of painted walls and hanging oil lamps said to be the site of that humble manger.

White-clad nuns begin to gather, and our guide urges us out before the private service begins. By the time we reach the stone floors of the soaring church above, the rich strains of centuries-old psalms swell through the spare sanctuary. We feel entirely safe except from the come-ons of the hawkers hoping to lure us to their gift shops.

For Christians, visiting Bethlehem is as essential to a Jerusalem pilgrimage as following the Stations of the Cross or praying in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. For those of other faiths, and those drawn more by history than religion, this sweet town is inextricably bound to Jerusalem’s twisting story of hope, conflict, alliances and resentments. Nearly all of the more than 3 million tourists who came to Israel in 2008 included Jerusalem on their must-see lists. More than in any other place in Israel, past and present coalesce and meld here. The modern city of 700,000plus sprawls far beyond the millenniaold walls, but in its ancient core, history seems forever at your elbow.

When you read the Bible, Torah or historical texts, you may imagine great distances between the Temple Mount, where Solomon built the physical center of Judaism; Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in the olive garden; Golgotha, where he hung on a wooden cross; and the stone tomb, where his body was laid to rest. But like Bethlehem, these icons incarnate are closer than you expect.

Much closer. Some religious sites stand literally atop each other; others are no more than steps apart.

As you wander through the old city’s glorious stone warren, you quickly see that proximity is partly to blame for the ceaseless argument over Jerusalem’s governance. Like a stone wedged inside

Mt Zion is the highest point in the old city of Jerusalem. —MCT photos

A woman prays at the place where Jesus’ body was laid after his crucifixion; this sacred place now lies inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem.

your sandal, some discordant view is ever present.

Regardless of your beliefs, someone who differs vehemently is likely to be just next door. Even to a firsttime visitor, it’s no surprise to find metal detectors and strict security in the passageways separating Old Jerusalem’s Arab quarter from the Jewish Western Wall, at the foot of the Temple Mount. And no surprise to find security again at the entrance leading up the Mount to the shimmering gold of the Dome on the Rock sacred to Muslims.

What is a surprise-at least to a casual visitor-is the dissent and violence that have plagued the Church of the Holy Sepulchre-not between Christians and Jews or Christians and Muslims, but between Christians and Christians.

These few square feet of stone, you learn, belong to the Greek Orthodox; these, to the Armenians; these, to the Catholics; these, to the Coptics. In all, six Christian denominations claim jurisdiction in various parts of the massive church, which stands over the ground where Jesus is said to have been crucified, entombed and resurrected.

With six caretakers, squabbling perhaps is inevitable. Over the years, one group or another has barred the door, hidden the key, blocked entrances, refused repairs and brawled so openly that police have been called to restore peace — even as recently as a few weeks ago. If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, or have simply read them, you may be appalled.

And yet, in this ancient city of squabbles, you may also be struck by a surprising sense of fellowship. As they have for generations, Arab and Jewish merchants sell goods side-by-side in the Old City market-scarves by lamps by jewelry by dried teas by rugs by Uzbek embroidery sold by an Arab who says he has converted to Buddhism. Non-Orthodox Jews eat in Arab falafel stands and stop by the cafe atop the Christian Austrian Hospice for a Coke. Arabs, Christian priests and yarmulke-clad Jews pass each other in the snug alleys in what often seems a camaraderie of familiarity, if not shared purposed.

“You have a sense of worldwide community, regardless of your religion,” said Paul Hewerdine, an American Catholic who lives in Israel. Groups of Christian pilgrims drag wooden crosses up the Via Dolorosa, the path partly through today’s Arab quarter, where Jesus is said to have carried his own cross to his crucifixion. A Jewish jeweler points a bewildered traveler to the Crusader-era Church of St. Anne; an Arab bystander points to the obscured entrance. Strains of a hymn spill from a Christian church; the Hebrew sounds of prayer flow from the Western Wall; a muezzin sounds the Muslim call to prayer. For all of Jerusalem’s discord, at times the city sings in harmony.

If you go The Church of the Nativity, in Bethlehem, near Jerusalem, is a sacred site to visit.

TOP SITES: Jerusalem offers so many

The Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount is closed to non-Muslims, but its surrounds are open to visitors of all faiths in Jerusalem.

must-see sites that you will need a week to visit them all. But don’t forget to leave plenty of time to simply stroll through the bazaar, quarters and even the roofs of the old city.

The Old City measures a little more than a third of a square mile; it is divided into four quarters (Arab, Jewish, Armenian and Christian), though it’s mostly culture, rather than walls, that separate them. The old city is closed to cars. Museums and newer attractions lie outside the old walls; all date from 1860 and beyond, when Jerusalem began its urban sprawl. Note that hours vary-especially on holidays. Entry to religious sites is free; museums carry an entrance fee.

Among the most impressive: Old city • Dome of the Rock: The striking golddomed shrine enclosing the rock where Mohammed is said to have risen to heaven is closed to nonMuslims, but a stroll around the perimeter of the city’s landmark gilt dome is a powerful experience. It dates from around 688 and is one of the world’s oldest Muslim structures.

• The Western Wall: The simple stones that form the wall of the Second Temple are one of Judaism’s most sacred sites, and any time of the day or night you can see men and women tucking their prayers between the stones. Men and women pray separately-each has its own entrance-and though tourist garb is common, women should keep shoulders covered and dress modestly. There are a few beggars, but paying them isn’t expected. On Mondays, newly bar mitvahed boys come here for their first Torah reading. The Western Wall sits just below the Temple Mount, home now to the Dome of the Rock, a Muslim site.

• Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Jammed among the tight alleys of the Old City, the church marking the places where Jesus was crucified, died and buried seems unimpressive from the outside. Inside, it is a beautiful if sometimes disturbing testament both to conviction and religious strife: the church (built by Constantine in 326 AD) is divided among six Christian groups, including Greek Orthodox, Coptics, Armenians, Catholics, who have vied over the centuries for control of church. The devout queue to get into the chapel over the tomb where Jesus is said to be buried; the slab where his body was laid after

being taken from the cross is often crowded with the faithful.

• Stations of the Cross: The 14 stations of significance on Jesus’ day of trial and procession to Golgotha are marked with bronze plaques; they’re small and easily missed. The Via Dolorosa (partly on the actual street called Via Dolorosa) is as much a path of symbolism as geography; exact locations of the various sites are sometimes disputed. On Friday afternoons, Franciscan monks lead a procession along the way; others are welcome to join.

• The Upper Room: Also called the Cenacle or Coenaculum, the hall where the Last Supper purportedly was served is tucked on the second floor of buildings around the Church of the Dormition, on Mt. Zion, the highest point in Old Jerusalem. Many believe King David’s tomb lies in the same complex; the area can be busy and finding either space requires persistence.

• The Wohl Archeological Museum: Jerusalem is one of the world’s great archeological sites, with cities and temples built atop each other. One of the best places to get a sense of this is the Wohl museum, which has preserved a residential quarter of Jerusalem from Herod’s time.

um opened in 2005 is an emotional tribute to the victims of the Holocaust; be sure to allot several hours here. Some of the most moving exhibits include a memorial to the 1.5 million children killed during the Holocaust and audio and video tapes of survivors. The prism-like design-by architect Moshe Safdie-at times feels suffocating; at others offers light and hope. Entry is free.

Tours are offered in English at 11 a.m. daily; an audio-guide is also available for a fee.

• Israel Museum: The Israel Museum is lauded for its many displays, but the one you won’t want to miss is the Shrine of The Book, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls.

• Garden of Gethsemane: Caretakers say that some of the gnarled olive trees in the garden near the Old City may have been saplings when Jesus prayed here the night following the Last Supper. The beautiful Church of All Nations and a grotto chapel across the street are most likely open in mornings. — MCT

Beyond • Bethlehem: Grab your passportyou’ll need it at the West Bank check point • and snag a taxi or sign up for a half-day tour from Jerusalem (from about $40). Note that the U.S. Department of State (//travel.state.gov) advises against all travel to the West Bank.

• Yad Vashem: The spare stark muse-

Pilgrims pray inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Jerusalem sings with history and unexpected harmony Page 39 MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011

Oprah Winfrey launches her OWN cable network

Revolutionary book that inspired

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Gandhi turns 150

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t was 150 years ago that the book “Unto This Last” was published, a groundbreaking work that turned economic thinking on its head and profoundly influenced the views of many including Mahatma Gandhi, the father of Indian independence. Gandhi first read the subversive masterwork of political economy by John Ruskin in 1904, during a train trip in South Africa where he was living at the time.

“The book was impossible to lay aside, once I had begun it,” wrote the progenitor of the non violence resistance movement years later in his autobiography. “It gripped me. Johannesburg to Durban was a twenty-four hours’ journey. The train reached there in the evening.

I could not get any sleep that night. I determined to change my life in accordance with the ideals of the book,” Gandhi wrote.

“I believe that I discovered some of my deepest convictions in this great book,” he wrote, adding the work “captured me and made me transform my life.”Ruskin was a middle-aged writer and art critic who already had two well-received works” The Seven Lamps of Architecture” and “ The Stones of Venice”-when he wrote “Unto This Last”. The book, a radical critique of capitalism that up-ended Victorian-era England when it was published in December 1860, appeared first as a series in four issues of “Cornhill Magazine.” It was bound as a single volume 18 months later. It caused an

In this file photograph dated 1946, Indian philosopher and nationalist leader Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi, poses with women during his tour of Bengal province. —AFP uproar by rejecting the classical theories of economists like Adam Smith, David Ricardo and John Stuart Mill.

The book redefined humans as complex beings often driven by emotions and motivations that cannot be explained by the laws of sup-

ply and demand. The title “Unto This Last” is taken from the Gospel of St. Matthew, chapter 20.

The New Testament Bible passage tells the parable of a vineyard owner who hires day laborers at a marketplace. Some of the men

were hired early in the morning, while others were taken on later during the course of the day. —AFP

prah Winfrey’s network has begun not with a bang but with redeclared purpose by the Queen of Daytime TV for her new roundthe-clock cable channel venture.

After years in the planning and months of hype, the moment of launch on Saturday at 12 noon EST (1700 GMT) was rather quiet.

Buried in the middle of a holiday weekend (though boasting the numerically catchy date 1-1-11), The Oprah Winfrey Network, or OWN for short, arrived free of glitz with a one-hour preview special hosted by Winfrey, host of the syndicated “ The Oprah Winfrey Show.” She offered a hearty overview of the live-yourbest-life fare she will curate across the network’s schedule in the days ahead and further down the line.

The strategy seemed that of a soft opening, aimed at whetting viewers’ appetites so they regularly come back and sample the network’s expanding menu of new shows as they roll out. “I wanted to take the ideals of great television that we’ve established on the ‘Oprah’ show and bring them to you through a variety of new shows 24/7,” Winfrey said.

“Every minute of this network has been hand-selected by me for you, the viewers.” This spring, Winfrey ends her wildly successful weekday syndicated daytime TV talk show after 25 years. But premiering Saturday night on OWN, “Behind the Scenes: The Oprah Show Final Season” is a 25episode reality series that will give viewers an intimate look at “Oprah” as it draws to a close.

In her OWN preview special, Winfrey also touted “Master Class,” a series that will spotlight prominent people who include Diane Sawyer, Simon Cowell, JayZ and Condoleezza Rice. The show aired yesterday. “In the Bedroom with Dr Laura Berman” provides counseling to couples to help them repair their sex lives.

On “Your OWN Show: Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star,” 10 contestants will compete to win a hosting job on an OWN show of his or her own creation. The finalists were chosen from more than 9,500 online audition videos and thousands more hopefuls at open casting calls. “Your OWN Show” premieres Friday.

Other shows, including reality series with Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, who says, “I am broken,” and with troubled fatherand-daughter actors Ryan and

Dated December 5, 2010 photo shows television host and actress Oprah Winfrey gestures as US President Barack Obama makes remarks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC. —AFP Tatum O’Neal, are among the programs promised for later.

Initially, the schedule is heavy with sneak previews of series yet to come and multiple repeats of current shows, including Winfrey’s special, for those who missed them the first time. “ There are so many things happening here at OWN, and we’re just getting started,” Winfrey, 56, said as her preview drew to an end. “Every day, here’s what I’m hoping-that you will find something here to inspire you.”

OWN initially will be available in more than 80 million homes.

Originally announced three years ago, the venture’s start date had twice been delayed while its cost ballooned to a reported $189 million.

The Los Angeles-based OWN, a joint venture between Winfrey’s company Harpo Inc and

Discovery Communication, is replacing the Discovery Health network, which folded as a network on New Year’s Eve with the reality show “Dr G: Medical Examiner.” At the stroke of midnight, OWN then began a 12hour heavy rotation of a 30minute “Countdown to OWN” promo that led up to Winfrey’s special and her gleeful proclamation that she’s “kicking off the next chapter of my life with all of you: Yes, the Oprah Winfrey Network is finally on the air!”—AP

India’s dirty old writer releases ‘last’ book

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his book, he insists, will be his last. It’s a novel about two old men, written by a 96-year-old who says he can’t have much time left. So after this one, the man who has been a force in India’s literary world for more than 60 years, a famously grumpy writer known for everything from beautifully wrought novels to fart jokes, vows to go silent. Khushwant Singh says it’s time to try something different. “I have to teach myself to do nothing. In the last phase of a man’s life, according to the Hindu tradition, you’re meant to be a forest dweller.”

Then Singh, sitting beside a fire on a cold winter evening, in an elegant colonial-era apartment building built by his father and named for his grandfather, began to laugh. It was a low, gravelly, heartfelt laugh; the laugh of a man who enjoys his life.

Because he knows he can’t really go silent, let alone retreat into the forest. Old age is slowing him down, he acknowledges, with its medicines and hearing aids and constant doctors. His long flowing beard flows in every direction these days, and he talks to visitors with his gnarled fingers pressed against his forehead, as if he can barely stay awake. He lives much of his life in his blue chair by the fire, with his travels largely limit-

ed to visits to the bathroom and the bedroom.

But there will still be his newspaper columns and the occasional interview. He knows there will still be a constant stream of visitors who dare to face his apartment door despite the sign beside it warning: “Please do not ring the bell unless you are expected.” “I am trying hardest to see no one, because I find it tiresome,” he said. He sighed: “I have people descending on me and flattering me. I fall for flattery.” They come because Khushwant Singh has been a loud and very public presence in India for decades, coming onto the scene just after India got independence from Britain in 1947.

A lawyer-turned-diplomatturned-writer, Singh ran one of India’s great magazines, wrote one of its great 20th-century novels and has opined about everything from masturbation to government incompetence.

He is, very proudly, India’s great provocateur. “With Malice Toward One and All,” his column is called, and along the ways he has denounced: right-wing politicians, left-wing politicians, the supreme court, corrupt businessmen, corrupt politicians and corrupt businessmen-politicians.

He has ridiculed actresses and publishers. During a slow news week, he might rant about desk

In this photo taken on Monday, Dec 20, 2010, Khushwant Singh, 96, talks sitting next to a fireplace in his house in New Delhi. — AP calendars or firecrackers. And in a country where kissing is still rare in Bollywood movies, he has been talking openly about sexuality for decades. His books, particularly his later ones, are full of lengthy, graphic sexual descriptions, and his greatest regret is that he didn’t sleep with enough women. “It’s considered bad form to write about these things,” he said, in a voice brim-

ming with disdain. “But I’ve never bothered about such things.”

“I’ve been called a dirty old man and it doesn’t bother me one bit,” he said. His wife, predictably, was well known for her public patience before she died in 2002. Now his daughter and granddaughter, who live just across the hall, take care of him.

“Someone’s got to give me my medicine,” he said, grimacing.

He’s written so many books even he’s not sure of the count.

It’s somewhere around three dozen, though the final number depends on whether the collections of newspaper writing are included in the total. He is a regular on Indian best-seller lists.

Not surprisingly given his output, Singh has had a few critical flops along the way-and in some quarters he’s dismissed for

being more buffoon than intellectual these days. His latest, “The Sunset Club,” a slim but enjoyable look at old age among the Indian elite, was welcomed by some critics but savaged by others. “A book of surpassing dreadfulness,” Mihir Sharma wrote in the Indian Express newspaper, dismissing it as a “sludgy morass.” Even worse, Sharma wrote, the book simply reflects the repetitiveness of so much of Singh’s writing, a view that some in Indian intellectual circles quietly hold but few openly voice.

“The constant ... triumphalism, the smirking misogyny of the self-declared ladies’ man, the historical detail shot through with wishful, Gandhi-loving politics-one begins to wonder why he is read at all,” he wrote.

Singh, not surprisingly, doesn’t worry much about bad reviews.

“I couldn’t give a damn,” Singh said. Writing “is where I succeeded. I was a flop in everything else.” His biography spans modern Indian history. He was born in what is now Pakistan, to a contractor father who grew wealthy building modern New Delhi. His early career was full of dabbling: work as a lawyer, a couple of tours as an Indian diplomat, with postings in London and Ottawa, and brief jobs in radio and with the United Nations.

It was in writing, though, that Singh finally found his way. He wrote deeply researched and highly regarded histories of the Sikh religion and history (Singh was born a Sikh, though he’s been agnostic for years), and became a journalist. In 1956, “Train to Pakistan” was released.

It is a short, powerful novel about the horrors of partition, when colonial India was carved into modern India and Pakistan and about 1 million people died amid the chaos. Singh’s book became a classic.

He turned “The Illustrated Weekly of India,” a small magazine, into a major presence in Indian journalism. Its circulation rose “like a victorious phallus at an obscene angle,” Singh wrote gleefully in his memoirs “Truth, Love and a Little Malice.” For the past few decades, he’s written more books-everything from serious novels to joke collections-and untold opinion pieces.

More than once, he’s promised to retire. His memoirs, which came out in 2002, included a note that the book “would inevitably be my last.” He’s put out 10 books since then.-AP